Diethanolamine appears as oily colorless liquid or solid white crystals. Slight rotten fish or ammonia odor. Denser than water. (USCG, 1999)Diethanolamine is a member of the class of ethanolamines that is ethanolamine having a N-hydroxyethyl substituent. It has a role as a human xenobiotic metabolite. It derives from an ethanolamine.

Mainly used as an absorbent for acidic gases such as CO₂, H₂S and SO₂, non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, polisher, industrial gas purifier and lubricant.It is an intermediate for the herbicide glyphosate.Used as a gas purifier, and also as raw material for pharmaceutical synthesis and organic synthesis.It is an important corrosion inhibitor, applicable to boiler water treatment, automotive engine coolants, drilling and cutting oils, and various other lubricants to provide corrosion inhibition.Under acidic conditions, it is used as an emulsifier for oils and waxes, and a softener for leather and synthetic fibers.It acts as a thickener and foam booster in shampoos and light-duty detergents.Used as a complexing agent for silver plating, cadmium plating, lead plating, zinc plating, etc.