Ethanolamine

1Identification

Name

Ethanolamine

IUPAC name

2-aminoethanol

CAS number

141-43-5

EC number

205-483-3

Molecular formula

C2H7NO

Molecular weight

61.08 g/mol

InChIKey

HZAXFHJVJLSVMW-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(CO)N

PubChem CID

700

Synonyms

Ethanolamine, 2-aminoethanol, monoethanolamine, Olamine, 2-Aminoethan-1-ol, 2-Hydroxyethylamine, colamine, Aminoethanol, Ethylolamine, Ethanol, 2-amino-, 2-Hydroxyethanamine, 2-Amino-1-ethanol, beta-Hydroxyethylamine, 2-Ethanolamine

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Ethanolamine
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• CIR ingredient: Monoethanolamine
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as a scavenger for CO2 and H2S in natural gas; used in the synthesis of surface active agents, hair waving agents, hide softeners, agricultural chemicals, and antibiotics; [Merck Index, # 3727] Used in soaps, cosmetics, polishes, paints, cutting oils, and textile processing; [HSDB] Used in photography (color developing bath); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Surface modifier Laboratory chemicals Etching agent Adhesion/cohesion promoter Chelating agent Intermediate Processing aids, specific to petroleum production Preservative Soil amendments (fertilizers) Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Diluent Corrosion inhibitor Absorbent Hydraulic fluids Cleaning agent Fixing agent (mordant) Plating agent pH regulating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Binder Other CBI Lubricating agent Dispersing agent Solvent Anti-freeze agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Fixing agent (mordant) Cleaning agent Preservative Corrosion inhibitor Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Soil amendments (fertilizers) Etching agent Processing aids, specific to petroleum production Intermediate Softener and conditioner Dye Solvent Foamant Other Lubricating agent pH regulating agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Specialized Industrial Chemicals · Safer Chemical Classes -> Yellow triangle - The chemical has met Safer Choice Criteria for its functional ingredient-class, but has some hazard profile issues · Fragrance Ingredients · Cosmetics -> Buffering

Description

• Ethanolamine appears as a clear colorless liquid with an odor resembling that of ammonia. Flash point 185 °F. May attack copper, brass, and rubber. Corrosive to tissue. Moderately toxic. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Ethanolamine is a member of the class of ethanolamines that is ethane with an amino substituent at C-1 and a hydroxy substituent at C-2, making it both a primary amine and a primary alcohol. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a primary alcohol, a member of ethanolamines and a primary amine. It is a conjugate base of an ethanolaminium(1+).
  ChEBI
• The CIR Expert Panel concluded that ethanolamine and the 12 related ethanolamine salts, listed below, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment (rinse-off products only) when formulated to be non-irritating. The Panel cautioned that ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds may be formed...Ethanolamine...
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS05, GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

8 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Vapor irritates eyes and nose. Liquid causes local injury to mouth, throat, digestive tract, skin, and eyes. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. · Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). · Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. · Avoid any skin contact. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors generated when heated. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. · When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. · Containers may explode when heated. · Runoff may pollute waterways. · Substance may be transported in a molten form.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Above 85 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Ethanolamine is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] Occupational asthma reported in hairdressers; [Malo] Toxic to the liver in subchronic inhalation studies of animals; [ACGIH] It is an irritant, but allergic contact dermatitis has been reported. [Kanerva, p. 1817] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; Can cause skin sensitization; [ICSC] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Headache. Shortness of breath. Drowsiness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Skin burns.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Severe burns.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Spill · For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. · For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for ammonia and organic ammonia derivatives adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking liquid in sealable plastic containers. Absorb remaining liquid in inert absorbent. Then wash away with plenty of water. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Accidental release measures. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas.; Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.;
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1. Remove all ignition sources. 2. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 3. If in liquid form, for small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away from combustible materials. Large quantities can be reclaimed or collected and atomized in a suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. 4. If in solid form, allow to melt and follow (3) above.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids, aluminium and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Ventilation along the floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Hygroscopic. Handle and store under inert gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separate from oxidizing materials, acids, and halogens. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Ethanolamine: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Tightly fitting safety goggles. Faceshield (8-inch minimum). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 30 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern* (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against the compound of concern* (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• ETHANOLAMINE is a base. Reacts with organic acids (acetic acid, acrylic acid), inorganic acids (hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid), acetic anhydride, acrolein, acrylonitrile, cellulose, epichlorohydrin, mesityl oxide, beta-propiolactone, vinyl acetate. Emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 1498].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Water soluble with evolution of heat.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong acids and oxidizing agents, iron, copper, brass, rubber.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers, strong acids, iron [Note: May attack copper, brass, and rubber].
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong alkali. Reacts with oxidizing materials, acids, halogenated hydrocarbons to produce heat. Reacts with iron producing an unstable and pyrophoric complex trisethanolaminoiron.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Chemical stability: Absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) from air. Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is corrosive to the skin and eyes. Corrosive on ingestion. The vapour is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in lowering of consciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: This combustible material may be burned in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2491

Shipping name

• UN 2491; Ethanolamine or ethanolamine solutions
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 8; Ethanolamine or ethanolamine solutions
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Ethanolamine or Ethanolamine solutions
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2491
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 8 Corrosive material (49 eCFR § 173.136)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Corrosive
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2491 153
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Ethanolamines are produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart. /Ethanolamines/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer safety standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Ethanolamine is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives. /Ethanolamine/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 700 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.