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InventoryRef 8843726/03/2019

METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE

N-Methyldiethanolamine

METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page.

Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

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MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Prohibited entry found
Open this evidence
1English and EU languages
Great BritainSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
CanadaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and French
New ZealandSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
ASEANSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and national languages
ChinaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
BrazilSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Arabic and English

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 105-59-9
CAS 105-59-9PubChem CID 7767

N-Methyldiethanolamine

Methyldiethanolamine is a colorless liquid. (USCG, 1999) CAMEO Chemicals

IUPAC name
2-[2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino]ethanol
Molecular formula
C5H13NO2
Molecular weight
119.16 g/mol
Exact mass
119.094628657 Da
XLogP3
-1.1
Topological polar surface area
43.7 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
2
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

MethyldiethanolamineMethyl diethanolamineN-MethylaminodiglycolEthanol, 2,2'-(methylimino)bis-2,2'-(Methylimino)diethanolN-MethyliminodiethanolDiethanolmethylamineMethyliminodiethanol
16 more reported names
USAF DO-52Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamineMethylbis(2-hydroxyethyl)amineN-Methyl-2,2'-iminodiethanolN-MethyldiethanolimineN,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamineEthanol, 2,2'-(methylimino)di-N,N-Di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylamine2-(N-2-Hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)ethanolMdea (diol)NSC-116903IG3K131QJMDEA amineRefChem:163819203-312-7MDEA
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7767

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: N-Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) is a colorless liquid. MDEA is used as an intermediate, in absorption of acidic gases, as a catalyst for polyurethane foams, and pH control agent. HUMAN STUDIES: There are no data available. ANIMAL STUDIES: MDEA was irritating to the guinea pig skin, and showed potential to induce allergic contact dermatitis. MDEA caused slight eye irritation. In rats, recurrent skin application of MDEA produced a dose-related irritant effect, but there was no evidence for systemic cumulative or specific target organ or tissue toxicity. Rat dams showed dose-dependent skin irritation following repeated cutaneous application of MDEA during pregnancy. In addition, maternal toxicity was also present as anemia in dams receiving 1000 mg/kg/day. Despite maternal toxicity, there was no evidence of developmental effects. MDEA was not genotoxic when tested in the Salmonella/microsome reverse gene mutation test, the CHO/HGPRT forward gene mutation test, a sister chromatid exchange test in cultured CHO cells, and an in vivo peripheral blood micronucleus test in mice. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for N-methyldiethanolamine(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of -1.50(1) and a regression-derived equation(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that N-methyldiethanolamine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of N-methyldiethanolamine is 8.52(3), indicating that this compound will exist partially in the cation form in the environment and cations generally adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of the cation from moist soil is not expected because cations do not volatilize(SRC). Volatilization of neutral N-methyldiethanolamine from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.1X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure, 2.0X10-4 mm Hg(5), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(6). N-Methyldiethanolamine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(5). N-Methyldiethanolamine did not biodegrade after 28 days in activated sludge, but degraded >96% after 40 days in a continuous-flow experiment where the inoculum had time to accli Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that N-methyldiethanolamine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). A pKa of 8.52(3) indicates N-methyldiethanolamine will exist partially in the cation form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization of the cation from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Volatilization of neutral N-methyldiethanolamine from water surfaces is not expected(4) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.1X10-11 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 2.0X10-4 mm Hg(5), and assigned value for water solubility of 1X10+6 mg/L (miscible)(6). N-Methyldiethanolamine is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(4). According to a classification scheme(7), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of -1.50(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. N-Methyldiethanolamine did not biodegrade after 28 days in Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), N-methyldiethanolamine, which has a vapor pressure of 2.0X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase N-methyldiethanolamine is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 4 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.7X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). N-Methyldiethanolamine does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Processing aids, specific to petroleum production; Intermediate; Absorbent; pH regulating agent; Solvent; Other Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as an intermediate, to absorb acidic gases, as catalyst for polyurethane foams, and pH control agent; [HSDB] Used in chemical syntheses (i.e. pharmaceuticals and cationic surfactants), as a cleaning-washing agent, pH regulator (coating manufacture), and solvent (removal of acid gases in oil refineries); [IUCLID] Used to make fine and large scale chemicals, as a catalyst in polymerization reactions, laboratory reagent, additive in coatings and concrete-cement, in gas treatment, and lubricants and metalworking fluids; [ExPub: ECHA REACH Registrations] Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Metal Machining [Category: Heat or Machine]; Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Cement Producing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For N-methyldiethanolamine (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 011600) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the USA, but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Surfactant intermediate Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Intermediate, absorption of acidic gases, catalyst for polyurethane foams, pH control agent. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and solutions of MDEA have increased in use for gas treating. Additional gas treating capacity can often be obtained with the same working equipment, because of the higher amine concentrations that can be used. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: /SRP: Chemical Weapons Convention/ Schedule 3B Precursor to HN2 (Bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBINo exact record2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Inventory details for METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE

INCI name

METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE

Description

N-Methyldiethanolamine

Record provenance

Inventory reference
88437
Imported identity
METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE
Source update
26/03/2019
European Commission CosIng source notes

Key data

Restriction
Function
FILM FORMING
Producing (upon application) a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

How METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE is also tagged with 1 cosmetic function in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 105-59-9 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.

Use the INCI Checker to screen a full ingredient list across selected markets, or compare this substance across all supported market datasets.

Source note for METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research METHYL DIETHANOLAMINE and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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