Diethanolamine, often abbreviated asDEAorDEOA, is an organic compound with the formula HN(CH₂CH₂OH)₂. Pure diethanolamine is a white solid at room temperature, but its tendency to absorb water and to supercool mean it is often encountered as a colorless, viscous liquid. Diethanolamine is polyfunctional, being a secondary amineand a diol. Like other organic amines, diethanolamine acts as a weak base. Reflecting the hydrophilic character of the secondary amine and hydroxyl groups, DEA is soluble in water. Amides prepared from DEA are often also hydrophilic. Recently, the chemical has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as "possibly carcinogenic to humans