The reaction of alcohol ethoxylation in the presence of triethylamine
was found to produce some by-products. Using gas chromatography and ma
ss spectrometry, the by-products formed were identified as diethyletho
xyethanolamine derivatives. Chromatographic retention indices and mass
spectra of the identified compounds were given. No literature data we
re found on the mechanism of triethylamine reaction leading to the for
mation of such compounds under the conditions employed in the present
experiments.