Aminoethylethanolamine (AEEA), represented by the formula C4H11NO2, is a viscous, colorless liquid that falls under the category of alkanolamines. It possesses both amino and hydroxyl functional groups, enabling it to participate in various chemical reactions and serve diverse roles in product formulations.
A primary application of AEEA is in the surfactant industry. Due to its unique chemical structure, AEEA is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of surface-active agents, which are crucial in detergents, emulsifiers, and dispersants. These surfactants find applications in household cleaners, personal care products, and industrial cleaning agents.
For coatings, AEEA serves as a chain extender for polyurethane resins, enhancing the properties and performance of the final product. Moreover, its reactive groups make it an ideal candidate as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids.
Furthermore, in gas treatment processes, AEEA assists in the absorption and removal of acidic gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from gas streams.