At room temperature, it is a colorless, transparent, viscous liquid with hygroscopicity and ammonia odor. Can be miscible with water, ethanol, acetone, etc., and slightly soluble in benzene, ether, carbon tetrachloride, ethanol, and chloroform. Reacts violently with strong acids such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc. Reacts with inorganic and organic acids to form esters; Flammable, there is a risk of combustion when exposed to high temperatures, open flames, or in contact with oxidants.
Monoethanolamine is an important corrosion inhibitor, which plays a role in inhibiting corrosion in boiler water treatment, automotive engine coolant, drilling and cutting oil, and other types of lubricants. However, monoethanolamine should not be used in combination with nitrite based corrosion inhibitors to prevent the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.