Diethanolamine contains a secondary amine and two alcohol groups. It is a viscous liquid with a freezing point of 28 oC. It is mainly used for gas sweetening and in the manufacture of light-duty detergents and shampoos and can be cyclized to morpholine.

Uses

Diethanolamine is used in cutting oils, soaps, shampoos, cleaners, polishers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. 

It is also used as an intermediate in the rubber chemicals industry, as a humectant and softening agent, and as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in various agricultural chemicals. 

Health Hazard

Diethanolamine is used in a number of consumer products, such as shampoos, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.  Limited information is available on the health effects of diethanolamine.  Acute (shortterm) inhalation exposure to diethanolamine in humans may result in irritation of the nose and throat, and dermal exposure may irritate the skin.  No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of diethanolamine in humans.  Animal studies have reported effects on the liver, kidney, blood, and central nervous system (CNS) from chronic oral exposure to diethanolamine.  The National Toxicology Program (NTP) reported an increased incidence of liver and kidney tumors in mice from dermal exposure to diethanolamine.  EPA has not classified diethanolamine for carcinogenicity.