Diethanolamine, often abbreviated as
DEA or
DEOA, is an
organic compound with the formula HN(CH
2CH
2OH)
2. Pure diethanolamine is a white solid at
room temperature, but its tendency to
absorb water and to
supercool mean it is often encountered as a colorless, viscous liquid. Diethanolamine is polyfunctional, being a secondary
amine and a
diol. Like other organic amines, diethanolamine acts as a
weak base. Reflecting the hydrophilic character of the alcohol groups, DEA is soluble in water. Amides prepared from DEA are often also hydrophilic.