Modern Chemistry & Applications

Abstract

Physical and Organic Chemistry of Amine Scrubbing

Valentin Talsi

The results of a multi-year NMR research in the field of physical and organic chemistry related to the problems of amine scrubbing are compiled. The revisited analysis of 2-aminoethanol degradation products has finally led to an adequate NMR signal assignment. This made it possible to suggest refined mechanisms of degradation reactions that lead to formation of compounds which are in particular responsible for corrosion of equipment and absorbent foaming.

Amine scrubbing has been an established technology over the past several decades for removal of acid gases (H2S, CO2, SO2, COS, CS2, NOx) from gaseous streams in the chemical and oil industries In recent time, the importance of studies in this field is justified by the global greenhouse gases reduction issue and potential use of 2-aminoethanol for binding CO2 here are two sets of problems relating to physical and organic chemistry of amine scrubbing. One of them concerns structural analysis of the salts formed by reaction of heterocumulenes CO2, COS, CS2 with amines. Another one is identification of degradation products of 2-aminoethanol, which is the most popular reagent for amine scrubbing. Carbamate and thiocarbamate salts obtained by the reaction of CO2, COS, CS2 with amines are used in important technologies of production of fertilizers, pesticides and regulators for tire industry.