Methyl Diethanolamine (MDEA) a clear, water-white, hygroscopic liquid with an ammoniacal odor.

STRUCTURE:

             / CH2CH2OH
CH3 - N
             \  CH2CH2OH

Mol. Wt: 119.1

Chemical Name: METHYLDIETHANOLAMINE

Synonyms:

N-Methyl diethanolamin, 2, 2’-Methyliminodiethanol, N- methyl diethanolamine, Methyldiethanolamine, N, N-Bis(2-Hydroxy ethyl)methylamine, Methyldiethanolamin, MDEA.

CAS Number: 105 – 59 - 9

Specifications

Appearance at 25°C:    Clear Viscous Liquid
Color:                             Colorless to Pale Yellow
pH                                    10.0 - 12.0
% Water                           0.5 Max.
% Purity                           99.0 Min

Method of analysis

Methods of analysis are available upon request.

Typical Data

Chemical and Physical data Typical values

Specific Gravity, 20/20 ºC           1.043 – 1.044
Flash point °C                              About 100 

Solubility

The solubility at 20°C is as follows:
Water soluble

Applications

The alkanolamines and their aqueous solutions will absorb carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide at lower temperatures and release the acid gases at higher temperatures. This forms the basis for processes which separate carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from gas streams.

Methyldiethanolamine is an alkanolamine used in tail gas treating and hydrogen sulfide enrichment units for selectively removing hydrogen sulfide from gas streams containing carbon dioxide. These units will, in most cases, permit 60 to 80% of the carbon dioxide to remain in the treated gas stream.

Methyldiethanolamine is also used in natural gas plants for the bulk removal of carbon dioxide while producing a gas stream containing 0.25 grains hydrogen sulfide/100 scf. Bulk carbon dioxide removal can be realized with methyldiethanolamine when the CO2:H2S ratio ranges from 100 to 1,000.

Other suggested uses are urethane catalyst, textile softeners, pH control, and epoxy resin curing agents.

Handling and Storage:

The handling and storage of methyldiethanolamine presents no unusual problems. See the section on toxicity and safety for related additional information.
The solvent properties and alkaline nature of methyldiethanolamine should be considered when installing handling and storage facilities.
Methyldiethanolamine will react with copper to form complex salts, so the use of copper and alloys containing copper should be avoided. Carbon steel storage tanks, constructed according to a recognized code, are generally satisfactory.
Carbon steel transfer lines, at least 2 inches in diameter and joined by welds or flanges are suitable. Screw joints are subject to failure unless back-welded because methyldiethanolamine will leach conventional pipe dopes. Rubber gasket material or its equivalent is satisfactory for use with flange connections.
Centrifugal pumps are preferred with methyldiethanolamine, although carbon steel rotary pumps can be used. Rotary pumps should be equipped with externally lubricated bearings. A Durametallic Type RO-TT mechanical seal is suitable. Garlock 234, 239, or equivalent can be utilized as pump packing.

Further Information

For further information, technical service and samples, please contact our nearest Laffans Sales office or agent/distributor.

The specifications & properties listed above are for products manufactured in India.

                                                                                               Issued: 2007-01-01