At room temperature, diethanolamine is a colorless crystalline solid. There is a slight ammonia smell. Easy to dissolve in water and alcohol, soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in ether and benzene, difficult to dissolve in carbon tetrachloride and heptane. Diethylamine can absorb water and carbon dioxide from the air, and its freezing point decreases significantly when mixed with water. Diethylamine is flammable with a self ignition temperature of 662 ℃. Flammable when exposed to open flames or high heat. Can react with strong oxidants. Heat decomposition releases toxic ammonia oxide smoke.
Diethylamine is an important corrosion inhibitor that can be used in boiler water treatment, automotive engine coolant, drilling and cutting oil, and various other lubricating oils to inhibit corrosion. It is also used as an absorbent for purifying acidic gases in natural gas. Used as an emulsifier in various cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In the textile industry, it can be used as a lubricant, as well as a wetting agent, softening agent, and other organic synthetic materials.