Ethanolamine

/ˌɛθənɔlˈæmiːn/ noun

Definition

A colorless liquid compound that combines ethanol with an amino group, used in making soaps, detergents, and industrial chemicals.

Etymology

From ethanol + amine (nitrogen-containing functional group). The compound literally has an ethanol backbone (two carbons) with an amine group attached, merging two reactive chemical groups.

Kelly Says

Ethanolamine is hiding in many household products like shampoos and floor cleaners, and it's also used to capture carbon dioxide from flue gases in power plants—turning it into a environmental hero in some industrial processes.

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