CEH Report

Table of Contents

Abstract

Ethanolamines are a class of organic compounds that include monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). They are used in surfactants, gas purification, herbicides and wood preservatives. Commercially, ethanolamines are created by reacting an appropriate amount of an amine (either ammonia, MEA or DEA) with ethylene oxide (EO).

Over 27% of ethanolamine consumption in 2007 was for the production of surfactants. Herbicides (which may include some ethanolamines consumed for other agricultural chemicals) accounted for over 14% of total consumption in 2007, followed by gas treatment applications (10%).

The following pie chart shows world consumption of ethanolamines:

Given current market conditions, all of the planned capacity may not come on stream by the forecast on-stream dates. It may be difficult for market demand to absorb these planned new capacities, especially with the lingering world economic crisis. The markets with the most growth potential will be herbicides (for DEA), ethyleneamines (for MEA) and ester quats (for TEA).

Prices have risen significantly in the last few years as a result of high energy and feedstock costs.