AEEA didn’t just pop up overnight. Chemical researchers started working with amines as far back as the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but AEEA drew attention in the years following World War II, when industry needed new, flexible building blocks for surfactants, fuel additives, and water treatment chemicals. Laboratories in Europe and North America experimented with different ethylene amines, searching for molecules with extra punch. AEEA stood out because it brings together two functional groups – an amine and an alcohol – on a short carbon chain, which led the world’s chemical giants to scale up its production and dig deeper into its possibilities.
AEEA, with the formula C4H12N2O, looks simple: a clear, colorless liquid, sometimes with a faint amine smell. It belongs to the family of ethylene amines, carrying both a primary and a secondary amine group, along with a single alcohol group. This structure lets it react in ways many simpler amines just can’t match. Inside the drum, you might see a clean, mobile liquid; in the real world, it turns up in everything from chelating agents in detergents to active ingredients in gas sweetening and epoxy curing.
The basics: AEEA boils at about 243°C and freezes just below room temperature, near 16°C. It dissolves in water with no trouble at all and blends well with most polar organic solvents. Chemically, its two amine groups mean it soaks up carbon dioxide, making it valuable in gas treatment. The hydroxyl group helps tether it to surfactant backbones and polymer chains. Its basicity changes depending on the environment, offering versatility across industrial processes. At the same time, operators need to watch out: high purity matters, moisture control goes hand in hand with safe storage, and its strong reactivity can catch people by surprise.
Commercial drums and bulk tankers usually deliver AEEA at purity levels above 98%, often stabilized to reduce color or odor over time. Specific gravity ranges from about 0.98 to 1.03, giving mixing engineers a clear target for formulation work. Most labels list its UN number (UN 2735), the hazard class for corrosive materials, and guidance on personal protective equipment. Safety data sheets highlight the need for good ventilation, gloves, face protection, and chemical-resistant clothing to keep burns and atmospheric exposure out of the workplace.
Production follows a well-trodden synthetic route: react ethylene oxide with ammonia, producing a family of compounds that chemists separate through distillation and extraction. One branch of the family tree goes through monoethanolamine, but coaxing out AEEA requires precise control of temperature and pressure, along with sharp separation skills as the process generates multiple ethylene amines. Big manufacturers have refined these steps for decades, constantly tuning pressure settings, solvent choices, or catalysts to wring out higher yields and cleaner products.
AEEA reacts readily because of its dual amines and alcohol. It forms stable bonds with carbonyl compounds, reacts with fatty acids to build surfactants, and acts as a core ingredient in chelating agents by latching onto metal ions. Reacting with epichlorohydrin creates epoxy curing agents, while new research is applying it in biodegradable polymers. More advanced chemistry now tweaks the backbone — adding alkyl chains, coupling with other amines, or building dendrimers for specialty drug delivery applications. These changes unlock tailored performance, bringing AEEA out of commodity status and into the high-value arena.
AEEA goes by a handful of aliases: 2,2'-Iminodiethanol, N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine, and mono(2-aminoethyl)ethanolamine. Big chemical brands may market it under proprietary names, but regulatory filings and shipping documents return to these basic synonyms. Smart buyers know these differences; in my time teaching chemical safety, I’ve seen more than one mix-up at the warehouse lead to the wrong drum going on a truck.
Most people learn quickly that AEEA eats through skin and eyes if left unchecked. Workers face acute risks: skin burns, eye injuries, even chronic effects on the liver and kidneys in cases of long-term exposure. Facilities use splash-proof goggles, heavy gloves, and full-length lab coats for every handling. Good ventilation keeps airborne concentrations far below occupational limits. Petroleum and chemical plants keep emergency showers nearby, and training covers every step from offloading to clean-up. Long-term storage must prevent contact with reactive metals and carbon dioxide, since AEEA can corrode tanks or form hazardous deposits. Fire isn’t a daily fear — its flash point sits near 120°C — but spills turn dangerously slippery, so good housekeeping can’t be overlooked.
AEEA pops up everywhere once you know what to look for. In oil refineries, it grabs carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, protecting processors and pipes from acid corrosion. The detergent industry counts on its ability to soften water by tying up calcium and magnesium ions, helping produce better foams and cleaner fabrics. Epoxy adhesives stick tighter and cure faster with AEEA as a curing agent, especially in coatings that need to resist weather, heat, or chemicals. Crop protection, water treatment, personal care, and photographic chemicals — all of them draw on AEEA’s mix of reactivity and solubility. It’s one of those chemicals that drives dozens of downstream products, even if the end user never hears its name.
It’s tempting to treat AEEA as a “solved” chemical, but the last ten years of research prove there’s still room for exploration. Green chemistry circles keep looking for ways to replace petro-derived intermediates, and AEEA’s backbone could come from renewable feedstocks if the economics catch up. Academic labs plot new reaction schemes, seeking improved environmental credentials or next-generation polymer architectures. Work continues on blending it with bio-based monomers or tapping its chelating features for filtration technologies aimed at cleaner drinking water. Every professional conference I’ve attended since 2015 has featured at least one poster or seminar focused on AEEA’s evolving uses, showing its relevance isn’t fading anytime soon.
Research teams worldwide, from regulatory bodies to university toxicology labs, have dug into its human and ecological hazards. Skin and mucous membrane irritation top the list, and animal models show damage from repeated high exposures. Environmental studies show that AEEA can be biodegradable, but persistence grows with concentration and local conditions, so wastewater treatment facilities monitor for it in effluent streams. Both human and environmental risk assessments now draw on decades of incident data and careful studies; new findings keep shaping workplace limits and product labeling requirements. I remember an incident where improper tank cleaning at a manufacturing plant sent a slug of AEEA into the local river, prompting a review of procedures and real change in how such waste gets handled.
AEEA finds itself at the intersection of industry needs and environmental scrutiny. Demand keeps growing in gas purification, polymer chemistry, and specialty surfactants. Large-scale producers now put energy into making cleaner, lower-impact synthesis methods, coaxing better energy efficiency out of the process. Venture-funded companies in the bio-economy sector test ways to incorporate AEEA into biodegradable plastics and greener water treatment solutions. The challenge lies in ensuring safety while stretching its applications. Real breakthroughs will likely come where process engineers, environmental scientists, and policy setters all sit down together – pushing for safer, lower-waste production, tighter toxicity controls, and smarter end-of-life management. As supply chains evolve and the call for sustainability gets louder, AEEA will need to keep pace with both shifting regulations and higher performance demands.
If you’ve spent time around the world of chemical manufacturing or even dabbled in industrial cleaning, Aminoethylethanolamine (AEEA) might sound familiar. With its long chemical name, AEEA doesn’t exactly announce its usefulness from the start, but anyone who’s worked on a team mixing up cleaning agents or chemical blends has probably crossed paths with this compound.
My experience working in a small facility making detergents taught me how often factories rely on practical, adaptable chemicals. AEEA plays a key role in cleaning formulas. Its structure—something chemists describe as combining both amine and alcohol groups—helps it bond with dirt and oil. I remember testing batches in the lab and watching how AEEA made grease lift off metal surfaces without harsh fumes. Businesses lean on this chemical for making industrial degreasers, household cleaners, and even liquid hand soaps that work a little harder against stubborn messes.
There’s another reason for growing respect toward AEEA. As companies shift toward safer, more sustainable options in their chemical mixes, AEEA stands out as a more environmentally friendly choice compared to older, harsher compounds. For instance, some oil refineries use it as a solvent or neutralizer—not just because it works, but because it can replace more toxic materials in the process. Choosing chemicals that can go easier on wastewater plants and outdoor ecosystems brings peace of mind to workers and local communities alike.
Municipal water treatment plants depend on chemicals like AEEA for balancing pH and controlling corrosion in pipes. Pipes that last longer mean fewer leaks and cleaner water. I’ve seen city engineers agonize over rust and scaling in distribution systems—AEEA, as a pH buffer, gives them a practical tool to keep infrastructure in better shape for longer. That leads to fewer repairs and better public health. This direct line from a chemical tank to the tap at home highlights its unseen but important impact.
In plastics and coatings factories, workers value chemicals that can build stronger bonds. AEEA steps up as a building block for certain polymers and epoxy resins. The resins hold together better, and finished products last longer—think of sturdy flooring, protective paints, or adhesives for construction. Workers blending resins often appreciate materials like AEEA because it improves shelf life and product stability, cutting down on wasted batches.
Every time a chemical like AEEA lands on my workstation, safe handling becomes a routine part of the day. It isn’t without risks—skin and eye protection matter. The real promise comes from the growing push for transparency. Reliable suppliers now share updated safety sheets, and companies offer refresher courses on responsible use. Legislators and regulators are working to shape smarter policies around industrial chemicals, promoting both worker safety and lower environmental risks. Expanding these efforts, including incentives for green chemistry research, could encourage wider adoption of materials with fewer hazards.
Communities keep asking tougher questions about what goes into products and the chemicals that wash into their water. Real trust takes open discussion, ongoing research, and a willingness to replace riskier materials with ones like AEEA that bring balance between performance and responsibility. In my years on factory floors and in small labs, those small choices—like swapping in a safer ingredient—can make a bigger difference across industries and neighborhoods than most folks realize.
Handling chemicals comes with responsibility, and AEEA—short for aminoethylethanolamine—stands out as one that demands attention. Plenty of folks overlook the risks of common chemical agents until something goes sideways. I’ve stood in a workshop where the air felt normal, yet a quick mistake handling a strong amine like AEEA led to burning skin and coughing fits. Every job site must foster a sense that it’s better to check twice before plunging hands into a drum or opening a valve.
One thing keeps coming up in real-world stories about AEEA incidents: decent gloves change the outcome. I learned this crossing paths with an older technician who had picked the wrong pair. Instead of chemical-resistant nitrile or neoprene, he wore latex. AEEA quickly soaked through. Nitrile gloves, a snug-fitting long-sleeve shirt, and a face shield become standard gear for anyone in the room. The chemical’s vapor shouldn’t be taken lightly. A full-face respirator with an organic vapor cartridge stops exposure during transfers or cleaning. Splash goggles never feel excessive—one overlooked spill near the eyes, and the results threaten long-term vision.
Closed environments turn AEEA use into a problem. Without strong airflow, vapors build up. I recall the difference stepping out of a stuffy shed and then tackling the same task in an open, ventilated bay: breathing grew easier, headaches faded, and colleagues gained confidence too. Fume hoods and exhaust fans don’t just meet rules; they chip away at long-term health risks that sneak up over years of exposure.
Storage makes another big difference. Even a strong, well-marked bottle leans into risk when left near acids or heat. Mixing AEEA with certain chemicals starts unexpected reactions—gas, heat, sometimes dangerous spills. Secure cabinets, solid labeling, and frequent inventory checks keep hazards low and make emergency response easier. Seeing coworkers all pitch in for a daily checklist near the chemical station goes further than any memo from higher-ups.
Not all spills turn into emergencies, but a quick, systematic response cancels panic. I’ve watched a rookie jump back from a small leak, only for it to spread faster while folks looked for the right absorbent. Having spill kits ready—filled with inert materials, neutralizers, and simple instructions—gives everyone a chance to stay calm and effective. Practicing those cleanups before real accidents means cleaner floors and fewer trips to the nurse.
No checklist saves someone who doesn’t take the risk seriously. The most trouble I’ve seen grew from overconfidence—people relying on their experience and skipping steps. In-person training, refreshers, and stories from others who’ve slipped up keep AEEA’s dangers fresh in mind. I trust a teammate who can spot a cracked glove from across the room more than one who never raises concerns. Sharing near-misses and quick fixes builds a culture where everyone goes home with clean lungs, safe skin, and clear eyes.
AEEA isn’t going away soon; its use in detergents, gas sweetening, and epoxy curing remains strong. Facilities investing in education, strong reporting, and good protective gear see fewer injuries. Simple changes, like upgraded gloves, easy-to-read signage, and regular ventilation checks, protect everyone. Lives and livelihoods depend on staying alert—not just to regulations, but to lessons learned from real mistakes. Those lessons are what keep the next batch of workers safe as well.
AEEA stands for 2-Aminoethylethanolamine, a compound that pops up in both laboratories and large-scale industries more often than most folks realize. Its chemical formula is C4H12N2O, and its molecular weight is 104.15 grams per mole. The structure tells its own story: the molecule holds both amine and alcohol groups, a combo that gives it some unique talents.
AEEA didn’t just win a spot in chemical catalogs for show. It’s used heavily as an intermediate in making surfactants, which help everyday cleaners break up grease and oil. I once worked with a small-scale detergent maker who tried to cut AEEA to save money. Their formula lost its cleaning punch until they brought it back in. The science matches common sense; adding an amine and an alcohol together helps dissolve grime, making it a go-to for soaps, shampoos, and cleaning agents.
A formula of C4H12N2O looks simple enough on paper, but it sets the boundaries for what AEEA can do. The combination delivers two nitrogen atoms—monkey bars for chemical reactions to swing from. This versatility matters with things like corrosion inhibitors or fabric softeners, and even branches out into oilfield chemicals. The molecular weight of 104.15 grams per mole means it’s neither too heavy nor prone to floating off, so it handles well in mixing tanks and during transport.
Chemicals like AEEA keep modern manufacturing humming, and consistency counts. AEEA’s synthetic routes give producers a reliable outcome if quality checks are tight. In my own work in the chemical supply chain, one shipment with off-spec AEEA brought a production line to a standstill. Clean, accurate composition made all the difference when trying to restart things. The margin for error sits narrow here; impurities threaten to gum up the works or introduce extra hazards.
AEEA is a low-viscosity liquid that carries risks if not handled correctly. Training and real-time monitoring stand as basic safeguards. One approach I’ve seen work involves automated leak detection and sealed containers, working together to trim down human exposure. Companies doing their homework on the recommended exposure limits can rely on recommendations from research conducted by groups such as the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Routine audits, real spill kits, and mandatory gloves stand above mere paperwork for chemical safety.
As the chemical sector faces more scrutiny, industries are looking for greener production methods. Whether it’s by using more eco-friendly starting materials or reducing energy use in synthesis, these steps pay off for both the company and the community. I keep an eye on manufacturers moving toward closed-loop systems for AEEA recovery and purification, which lower waste and tamp down the need to buy raw materials. Every shift in responsible sourcing makes the industry’s future brighter.
Data drive safe and successful use of chemicals like AEEA. Testing, traceability, and transparency let manufacturers, regulators, and end-users work from the same playbook. Experiences on the shop floor taught me that real trust comes from quality—and quality tracks right back to facts like the chemical formula and a true reading of molecular weight.
AEEA—short for aminoethyl ethanolamine—pops up in a lot of manufacturing jobs, from coatings and textiles to specialty chemicals. Anyone who’s worked around it knows safety isn’t just a box to check. Used wrong, accidents come quick, and their impact stretches beyond just the person handling the drum.
Keeping AEEA on-site means setting aside a specific spot in the warehouse, away from high-traffic areas. In my early years at a chemical storage facility, one close call hammered home the point: storing reactive chemicals close together only looks efficient until a small leak turns into an emergency. For AEEA, store drums away from acids and oxidizers. That alone cuts down the risk of surprise chemical reactions.
I’ve found that rooms need solid ventilation systems. Without airflow, even small spills escalate fast, and fumes linger—raising health risks for anyone handling nearby work. On humid or hot days, chemical reaction rates go up. So a climate-controlled space, kept cool and dry, protects both workers and product.
In transit, AEEA makes for a tricky payload. From experience, truck drivers hate nothing more than finding a drum toppled because loose strapping seemed ‘good enough.’ Steel drums, fully sealed and well-labeled, handle road bumps better than plastic or lighter-weight alternatives. Clear hazard labeling, like Class 8 (corrosive), tells handlers what they're carrying and keeps them alert.
One company I worked with built transport checklists—and had a supervisor sign off on every load. It sounded tedious at first, but accountability pays off. Logistics teams need spill kits on hand and training drills every six months, not just once when someone’s hired. Loading and unloading only works if people check for corrosion, dents, or leaks on every container, every trip.
AEEA exposure burns skin and irritates eyes and lungs—that’s no secret to folks who use it regularly. I’ve seen how much difference goggles, gloves, and proper coveralls make on long shifts. Staff skipping gear because ‘nothing bad happened yet’ tends to go out the window the first time someone lands in urgent care.
Here in the US, OSHA and the Department of Transportation lay down clear rules for hazardous material handling and shipment. That includes proper signage, manifest records, and rigorous emergency protocols. Ignoring those means risking more than a fine—mistakes affect real people.
No matter the system, regular training keeps minor issues from turning serious. I’ve sat through some dry safety sessions, but on the job, talking through spill cleanup and emergency responses builds confidence more than any manual does. New regulations or best practices should get rolled out with hands-on demos so everyone sees what’s at stake.
Open communication matters. My best bosses encouraged reporting every near miss. Teams sharing lessons learned—like a drum stored next to incompatible chemicals—helped us tune processes before they became disasters.
Proper storage and transport of AEEA boils down to respect for the risks. Labeled drums, controlled climates, dedicated transport protocols, and regular drills build a safe routine. Investment in equipment and training saves money lost to accidents—and most importantly, protects the people doing the real work.
AEEA, short for aminoethylethanolamine, gets used in hundreds of factories across the world. It pops up in things most people never think about—water treatment chemicals, detergents, even the production of a handful of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Anyone working in a place that handles AEEA faces direct exposure risks, while those not near a plant might still come into contact through products or contaminated water.
Spending my earlier years working with industrial cleaning chemicals, I learned quickly that safety gear wasn’t optional. Accidents happened—a splash, a spill, a patch of skin left uncovered. AEEA can irritate the skin and eyes, and that burning sensation doesn’t fade fast. According to the European Chemicals Agency, the stuff eats through protective layers on skin, making dermatitis a real threat. Workers often talk about the smell lingering long after their shift, and with enough exposure, respiratory issues step in. Breathing AEEA vapors led one of my colleagues to develop asthma-like symptoms that needed medical attention.
Toxicology reports back up these hairy moments. Swallowing the chemical leads to burns and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even internal corrosion. Lab tests highlight corrosivity and confirm longer-term risks like liver and kidney trouble with prolonged contact. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists keeps AEEA on a close watch, recommending exposure limits and insisting on gloves, face shields, and fume extraction. These aren’t just bureaucratic hoops—real people avoid real injuries by following those rules.
Growing up near an industrial park, water runoff from local facilities sometimes crept into the streams behind my house. AEEA doesn’t just disappear when it hits drains or soil. It can break down over time, but in high enough concentrations, it poisons aquatic life. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s data shows that even diluted AEEA can stunt algae growth and harm fish populations. Contamination also changes the balance in bacteria essential for healthy water, making recovery tough without intervention.
Municipal water plants often struggle to remove organic amines like AEEA. Tiny traces slip through filters and end up downstream. This isn’t about doom-and-gloom predictions. People in areas with high discharge levels have seen dead fish washes and slimy riverbanks. Regulatory oversight can slow down harmful dumping, but not every factory follows the law, especially in countries with weak enforcement.
Companies and regulators often treat incidents with measured caution. My own experience taught me that prevention beats cleanup every time. Industry leaders have started replacing AEEA with less hazardous amines when possible. Protective technology—sealed containers, improved ventilation, automatic shut-offs—make a marked difference. On a community level, pressure from workers’ unions and local environmental groups pushes companies to disclose what chemicals they use and how they’re disposed of.
Government agencies need boots on the ground—more frequent, unannounced inspections, tougher fines for illegal releases, and transparent chemical tracking. Investing in better wastewater treatment technology adds a layer of protection downstream. Public awareness matters, too. People who know what’s in their environment ask harder questions, sign petitions, and vote for stricter environmental rules. My own neighborhood saw cleaner streams and healthier kids after pushing local leaders for industry monitoring.
Getting rid of dangerous exposure isn’t easy. Companies should keep putting money into safer chemical alternatives and support ongoing health screening for workers. People on the ground—plant operators, truck drivers, emergency responders—deserve regular training and honest information. As someone with skin in the game, I know that tight safety controls and persistent public pressure set the stage for meaningful change around chemicals like AEEA.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-(2-Aminoethylamino)ethan-1-ol |
| Other names |
2-Aminoethylethanolamine
AEEA N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine 2-[(2-Aminoethyl)amino]ethanol N-(2-Aminoethyl)ethanolamine |
| Pronunciation | /əˌmiːnoʊˌɛθaɪlˌɛθəˈnɒleɪmiːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-41-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1721364 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:516211 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL15111 |
| ChemSpider | 54627 |
| DrugBank | DB04147 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b155af-9b8a-427e-acf9-4e0801350881 |
| EC Number | 205-483-3 |
| Gmelin Reference | 67612 |
| KEGG | C06298 |
| MeSH | D01.268.074.030.040 |
| PubChem CID | 15135 |
| RTECS number | KH8575000 |
| UNII | 58M84GLB71 |
| UN number | UN2672 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID2020183 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H12N2O |
| Molar mass | 104.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Ammoniacal |
| Density | 0.976 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| log P | -1.31 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.7 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.7 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.9 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.454 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 34 mPa·s at 25°C |
| Dipole moment | 3.4541 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 165.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −321.8 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4152 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, toxic to aquatic life |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H314, H318, H412 |
| Precautionary statements | P260, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P310, P303+P361+P353 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-0 |
| Flash point | 85 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 310°C |
| Explosive limits | 3% to 23% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 2,560 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 2,560 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | KQ0350000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 3 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 100 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Ethanolamine
Diethanolamine Triethanolamine Diethylenetriamine Aminoethylpiperazine N-Methylethanolamine Aminoethanol Tetraethylenepentamine |
