Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium acetate

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

With its relatively low molecular weight (~165 g/mol) and high water solubility (≥1000 g/L), it is likely that DEA acetate will be absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. As such, oral absorption of DEA acetate is set at 100%.
Although not expected to reach the lungs (due to its low vapour pressure), as a very hydrophilic substance with a relatively low molecular weight, any DEA acetate reaching the lungs might be absorbed through aqueous pores. As such, the inhalation absorption is set at 100%.
DEA acetate, with water solubility above 1000 g/l and a log Pow value below 0, may be too hydrophilic to cross the lipid rich environment of the stratum corneum. As such, 10% dermal absorption is proposed. 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Bioaccumulation potential:

low bioaccumulation potential

Absorption rate - oral (%):

100

Absorption rate - dermal (%):

10

Absorption rate - inhalation (%):

100

Additional information

In general, a compound needs to be dissolved before it can be taken up from the gastro-intestinal tract after oral administration. The relatively small molecular weight (~165 g/mol) and the high water solubility (≥1000 g/L) indicates that uptake of DEA acetate can take place through aqueous pores. It is therefore likely that this compound will be absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. As such, oral absorption of DEA acetate is set at 100%.

Once absorbed, distribution of DEA acetate throughout the body is expected based on its relatively low molecular weight, and no accumulation in the body is anticipated based on its hydrophilic character. DEA acetate has characteristics favourable for fast urinary excretion: low molecular weight (below 300 g/mol) and good water solubility. Based on its hydrophilic character, extracellular concentration is also expected to be higher than intracellular concentration. The rate at which this highly water-soluble molecule distributes may be limited by the rate at which it crosses cell membranes and access of this substance to the central nervous system (CNS) or testes is likely to be restricted by the blood-brain and blood-testes barriers.

Due to the low vapour pressure (1.68 Pa) and high water solubility (1000 g/L) of the substance, it is not to be expected that DEA acetate will reach the nasopharyncheal region or subsequently the tracheobronchial or pulmonary region. As a very hydrophilic substance with a relatively low molecular weight, any DEA acetate reaching the lungs might be absorbed through aqueous pores or be retained in the mucus and transported out of the respiratory tract. Overall, although it is very unlikely that DEA acetate will be available to a high extent after inhalation via the lungs due to the low vapour pressure and high water solubility, the inhalation absorption is set at a default of 100%.

Estimation of dermal absorption is based on relevant available information (mainly water solubility, molecular weight and log Kow) and expert judgement. DEA acetate, with water solubility above 1000 g/l and a log Pow expected to be below 0, may be too hydrophilic to cross the lipid rich environment of the stratum corneum. As such, 10% dermal absorption of DEA acetate is proposed.

DEA acetate is suspected of having a low potential for bioaccumulation based on its predicted physical-chemical properties (i.e. Log Pow < 0).