2-Mercaptopropionic acid CAS 79-42-5

Aure Chemical Delivers Reliable 2-Mercaptopropionic Acid (CAS 79-42-5) at Consistent Quality

2-Mercaptopropionic acid, commonly known as thiolactic acid, is a short-chain mercapto carboxylic acid containing both a thiol and a carboxyl group. It is typically supplied as a clear colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong sulfurous odor and is used in personal-care reducing systems, flavor work, and specialty organic synthesis. Aure Chemical supplies 2-Mercaptopropionic acid (CAS 79-42-5) for industrial and formulation customers who need documented quality and stable export supply.

Basic Information of 2-Mercaptopropionic Acid

The physical constants below reflect values widely cited in chemical reference literature and commercial specifications. They are provided to support identification, handling assessment, and procurement review.

CAS No.	79-42-5
EC No.	201-206-5
Linear Formula	CH3CH(SH)COOH
Molecular Weight	106.14
Appearance	Clear colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a characteristic unpleasant sulfurous odor
Melting Point	10–14 °C (lit.)
Boiling point	102 °C/16 mmHg (lit.); 203–208 °C (lit.)
Density	1.196 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
RIDADR	UN 2936 6.1/PG II
Chemical Structure

Key Applications of 2-Mercaptopropionic Acid

• Depilatory and hair-reducing formulations: 2-Mercaptopropionic acid and its salts are used as thiol reducing agents in depilatory and hair-waving or straightening systems, where the mercapto group helps break disulfide bonds in keratin.

• Flavor and fragrance ingredient: Listed as FEMA 3180 and JECFA 551, it is used at low levels to contribute meaty, roasted, and sulfurous notes in selected flavor compositions.

• Organic synthesis intermediate: The dual thiol–carboxyl functionality makes it a practical building block for thioesters, heterocycles, and other sulfur-containing intermediates used in specialty chemical manufacture.

• Agrochemical and stabilizer chemistry: It is employed in the preparation of selected herbicide intermediates, antioxidants, and plastic heat-stabilizer related structures that rely on reactive mercapto acids.

• Surface ligands and specialty materials: The thiol group is used to bind metal surfaces and stabilize nanoparticles or self-assembled layers in laboratory and materials-research applications.

Aure Chemical: Your Reliable Partner for 2-Mercaptopropionic Acid Supply

• Consistent quality for process use: Batches are supplied against defined purity expectations so formulators and synthesis teams can maintain repeatable reducing performance and reaction behavior.

• Export-ready logistics: Established international shipping routes support regular and project-based deliveries, including arrangements suited to bulk and multi-destination procurement.

• Complete safety documentation: SDS, COA, and dangerous-goods paperwork are available to support industrial purchasing, transport classification, and incoming quality control.

• Practical packaging support: Guidance is available on pack size selection and handling considerations for this corrosive, odor-intensive thiol acid in laboratory and production settings.

Hazards Classification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity, oral (Category 3, GHS06); Skin corrosion (Category 1, GHS05); Serious eye damage (Category 1, GHS05). Combustible liquid classification (H227) is also reported on some supplier SDS.

Hazard Statements: H301 Toxic if swallowed; H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Some SDS also list H227 (combustible liquid), H290 (may be corrosive to metals), and H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction).

UN Number: UN 2936 (THIOLACTIC ACID)

Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)

Packing Group: II