How Is Diethanolamine Manufactured

The chemical industry forms the backbone of modern civilization. From the detergents we use daily to pharmaceutical drugs, agricultural solutions, and personal care products, basic chemicals drive countless applications. Among these essential chemicals, diethanolamine (DEA) stands out as a versatile compound with widespread uses across industries such as personal care, textiles, gas treatment, and pharmaceuticals.

But how exactly is diethanolamine manufactured? What role do global suppliers play in ensuring high-quality production and reliable ingredient solutions? In this article, we will explore the production process of diethanolamine, its importance within the broader field of basic chemicals, and how professional companies like SOHO Honry Chemical are shaping the future of the chemical ingredients market.

Diethanolamine: A Key Basic Chemical

Diethanolamine belongs to the family of alkanolamines, which are organic compounds derived from the reaction of ammonia with ethylene oxide. DEA is a colorless, viscous liquid with both amine and alcohol functional groups. This dual functionality gives DEA unique properties that make it a cornerstone ingredient in many industries:

  • Личный уход: As a surfactant, emulsifier, and pH adjuster in shampoos, soaps, and cosmetics.

  • Agriculture: Used in the formulation of herbicides and fertilizers.

  • Gas Treatment: Applied in the removal of acidic gases like CO₂ and H₂S.

  • Textiles & Leather: Employed as a softener and finishing agent.

  • Industrial Uses: A precursor for morpholine and other important derivatives.

Because of this versatility, the role of a diethanolamine manufacturer is not only to produce the chemical efficiently but also to ensure strict quality, safety, and sustainability standards.

DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)

How Is Diethanolamine Manufactured?

The production of diethanolamine is a classic example of the chemical industry’s efficiency in converting simple raw materials into high-value compounds.

1. Raw Materials
The main ingredients in the production of diethanolamine are ammonia and ethylene oxide. Both are widely available in the chemical industry and serve as the starting point for alkanolamine production.

2. Reaction Process
Ammonia reacts with ethylene oxide in a controlled environment. Depending on the molar ratios and reaction conditions, this process yields a mixture of three main products:

  • Monoethanolamine (MEA)

  • Diethanolamine (DEA)

  • Triethanolamine (TEA)

The distribution of these products can be adjusted by altering the reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and feed ratios.

3. Separation and Purification
After the reaction, the crude mixture undergoes separation and distillation processes to isolate diethanolamine in its pure form. Advanced purification ensures that the DEA meets stringent industry specifications, free from contaminants that could compromise performance in sensitive applications like pharmaceuticals or personal care.

4. Quality Control
A professional diethanolamine manufacturer like SOHO Honry Chemical ensures that production complies with international standards such as Eurofin and SGS. Certifications like ISO, GMP, HALAL, and KOSHER guarantee that the chemical meets global market requirements.

Diethanolamine in the Context of Basic Chemicals

The production of DEA reflects the broader importance of basic chemicals. These are the fundamental building blocks of the chemical industry, enabling the creation of specialized chemicals and high-performance materials. Without basic chemicals, industries like energy, healthcare, agriculture, and consumer goods would struggle to innovate and grow.

SOHO Honry Chemical integrates diethanolamine manufacturing into its larger portfolio of basic chemicals, which also includes solutions for water treatment, coatings, and polyurethane chemicals. By doing so, the company provides versatile raw materials that power countless downstream industries.

SOHO Honry Chemical: A Professional Global Ingredient Supplier

As a global manufacturer and supplier of chemical ingredients, SOHO Honry Chemical demonstrates how professionalism, scale, and innovation come together to meet worldwide demand for chemicals like diethanolamine.

Business Areas

  • Food & Beverage Additives: Sweeteners, thickeners, preservatives, antioxidants, phosphates, acidity regulators, proteins, flavors, colors, and bulking agents.

  • Питание человека: Supplements, tablets, sports nutrition, and functional food.

  • Химикаты: Basic chemicals, water treatment chemicals, coating chemicals, and polyurethane chemicals.

  • Личный уход: Surfactants, emollients, humectants, emulsifiers, UV filters, preservatives, and conditioning agents.

  • Кормление животных: Feed additives, pet food ingredients, joint care supplements, and pet-specific nutrition solutions.

  • APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients): Antibiotics, antivirals, respiratory drugs, anticancer agents, and more.

R&D and Innovation
SOHO Honry Chemical collaborates with top Chinese universities, including Nanjing Agricultural University and China Pharmaceutical University. Its R&D team of 25+ technicians, led by two PhDs, leverages advanced equipment to ensure compliance with SGS and Eurofin standards.

Factory Scale and Certifications

  • 45,000㎡ production bases

  • 600 employees across 2 factories with 10 advanced production lines

  • Certified by FSSC, BRC, ISO, GMP

  • Product certifications: HALAL, KOSHER, NON-GMO, ALLERGEN FREE

By combining large-scale production with strict quality systems, SOHO Honry Chemical ensures customers receive reliable and competitive solutions.

DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)

Applications of Diethanolamine Across Industries

The versatility of DEA highlights its value within the portfolio of basic chemicals.

  • Продукты питания и напитки: While DEA itself is not used as a direct additive, related basic chemicals from SOHO Honry support sweeteners, preservatives, and acidity regulators.

  • Питание человека: DEA derivatives play roles in functional ingredients, reflecting the synergy between chemicals and nutrition science.

  • Личный уход: DEA is indispensable in surfactant production, giving shampoos and body washes their foaming properties.

  • Кормление животных: With its chemical expertise, SOHO Honry integrates DEA-related solutions into broader nutritional formulas for feed and pet care.

  • Pharmaceuticals: DEA serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of morpholine and various drug formulations.

This breadth of application illustrates why working with a professional diethanolamine manufacturer is essential for industries requiring a consistent, high-quality supply.

Why Choose SOHO Honry Chemical?

SOHO Honry Chemical positions itself as more than just a manufacturer—it is a professional global ingredients solution supplier. Its advantages include:

  • Technology and Innovation: Strong R&D foundation with continuous product innovation.

  • Global Certifications: Compliance with the strictest food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industry standards.

  • Sustainable Development: Commitment to human scientific health and global sustainability.

  • Customer-Centric Solutions: Tailored ingredient solutions for food, pharma, nutrition, and personal care sectors.

By offering both basic chemicals like diethanolamine and advanced functional ingredients, SOHO Honry provides an integrated approach to supporting global industries.

The question “How is diethanolamine manufactured?” reveals more than just a chemical process—it showcases the role of basic chemicals in shaping industries worldwide. From the careful reaction of ammonia and ethylene oxide to purification and global distribution, DEA exemplifies the precision and innovation at the heart of the chemical industry.

As a trusted diethanolamine manufacturer, SOHO Honry Chemical ensures that its products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. By combining state-of-the-art facilities, strong R&D, and comprehensive certifications, SOHO Honry is not only advancing chemical production but also delivering solutions that empower industries across food, nutrition, personal care, animal health, and pharmaceuticals.

In a world that depends on chemicals for progress, diethanolamine and other basic chemicals remain indispensable. With leaders like SOHO Honry Chemical, the future of ingredient solutions looks healthier, safer, and more sustainable.