Ethanolamine can also be used directly as a weak base in industrial
gas purification for removal of acidic gases such as H,S
and CO,. Because of their mild alkaline properties, ethanolamines
are frequently used as constituents of soaps and cosmetic
creams. In contrast to detergents, only fatty acid salts are used
here. In addition, they are used as auxiliary agents in the cement
industry and as cooling lubricants for drilling and cutting oils.
They are also used in the synthesis of heterocyclic organic compounds.
The production figures for several countries are summarized
in the adjacent table. Worldwide, the largest producer
of ethanolamines is UCC, with a capacity of 0.28 x 10' tonnes
per year. With a capacity of 0.14 x 10' tonnes per year, BASF
is the largest producer in Western Europe (1997).