How to Compare MDEA Prices on a Contained-MDEA Basis
2026-11-11
How to Compare MDEA Prices on a Contained-MDEA Basis
One supplier quotes 50 wt% aqueous MDEA, while another quotes 40 wt%. Their prices per metric ton of delivered product cover different amounts of N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA, CAS 105-59-9). Convert both offers to a cost per metric ton of contained MDEA before comparing the concentration-related cost.
Confirm the concentration basis
Use the MDEA mass fraction in the product as delivered. A concentration of 50 wt% corresponds to a mass fraction of 0.50, meaning that one metric ton of solution contains 0.50 metric tons of MDEA. goldbook.iupac.org
Check that the quoted concentration specifically refers to MDEA. For a formulated solvent, ask the supplier to distinguish MDEA content from total amine content.
Divide product price by the MDEA mass fraction
Cost per metric ton of contained MDEA = price per metric ton of product ÷ MDEA mass fraction
The following hypothetical offers use the same currency, delivery point and charge coverage.
| Comparison item | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| MDEA concentration | 50 wt% | 40 wt% |
| Price per metric ton of product | $1,000 | $850 |
| MDEA contained in one metric ton | 0.50 MT | 0.40 MT |
| Cost per metric ton of contained MDEA | $2,000 | $2,125 |
Offer B has the lower price per ton of solution. Offer A supplies contained MDEA at a lower calculated cost.
Check the quantity your plant would receive
To purchase 10 metric tons of contained MDEA, the plant would need 20 metric tons of the 50 wt% solution or 25 metric tons of the 40 wt% solution. At the example prices, the product totals would be $20,000 and $21,250, respectively.
Confirm that both grades meet the plant’s approved requirements, then include any differences in freight, packaging and site preparation costs in the purchasing comparison. Use the same concentration basis throughout the calculation.
Request an MDEA quotation with a clear price basis
Send China Amines Co., Limited your required grade, concentration, contained MDEA requirement or net solution quantity, preferred packaging and destination port. State the delivery point and charge coverage you need so we can prepare a quotation your purchasing team can compare consistently.
Inquiries
info@chinaamines.com
Technical references
- IUPAC Gold Book — Mass Fraction