Diethanolamine
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| Diethanolamine | |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Diethanolamine |
| Chemical formula | C4H11NO2 |
| Molecular mass | 105.1364 g/mol |
| CAS number | [111-42-2] |
| Density | 1.090 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 28.0 °C |
| Boiling point | 268.8 °C |
| SMILES | OCCNCCO |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as DEA, is an organic chemical compound which is both a secondary amine and a dialcohol. A dialcohol has two hydroxyl groups in its molecule. Like other amines, diethanolamine acts as a weak base.
Other names or synonyms are bis(hydroxyethyl)amine, diethylolamine, hydroxydiethylamine, diolamine, and 2,2'-iminodiethanol.
DEA and its chemical variants are common ingredients in cosmetics and shampoos, where they are used as to create a creamy texture and foaming action. Variants of DEA include lauramide diethanolamine, coco diethanolamide, cocoamide diethanolamine or coconut oil amide of diethanolamine, lauramide DEA, lauric diethanolamide, lauroyl diethanolamide, and lauryl diethanolamide.
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DEA and its variants are suspected of increasing the risk of cancer. DEA can combine with amines present in cosmetic formulations to form nitrosamines (N-nitrosodiethanolamine), which are known to be highly carcinogenic.[1] Studies also show that DEA directly inhibits fetal brain development in mice by blocking the absorption of choline, a nutrient required for brain development and maintenance.[2] DEA is also associated with miscarriages in laboratory studies.