Monoethanolamine (MEA) Supplier South Africa

What Is Monoethanolamine?

Monoethanolamine (MEA), also called 2-aminoethanol or ethanolamine, is the simplest alkanolamine — a primary amine with a hydroxyl group on the adjacent carbon. Its combination of strong basicity (pKa ~9.5) and water miscibility makes it a versatile alkaline reagent in industrial chemistry. In the detergent industry MEA is used to neutralise LABSA to produce monoethanolamine LAS, a common form of anionic surfactant in premium heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents.

Formulation and Chemical Applications

MEA-neutralised LAS (MEA-LAS) is less hygroscopic and has better powder flow characteristics than sodium LAS when incorporated into powder detergent slurries, and produces formulations with better phosphate builder compatibility. As a standalone pH adjuster, MEA’s high basicity (stronger than TEA or DEA at equal concentration) makes it efficient for achieving high-pH formulations with a smaller mass dosage. MEA is also a key intermediate in the synthesis of the herbicide glyphosate and in gas sweetening (acid gas removal).

Supply and Handling

MEA has a pronounced ammonia-like odour and is a strong primary amine; it can cause skin and eye burns on direct contact and should be handled with appropriate PPE. Terracore Chemicals supplies technical-grade MEA in drums and IBCs to detergent formulators, chemical intermediates producers, and industrial process chemical suppliers across South Africa.