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Insecticides and acaricides

2-Mercaptoethanol

Also known as Beta-Mercaptoethanol, Mercaptoethanol, Thioglycol

CAS 60-24-2Formula C2H6OSMolar mass 78.14 g/molEC 200-464-6
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard 80 suppliers listed
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2-Mercaptoethanol chemical structure, C2H6OS, CAS 60-24-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Water-white mobile liquid
Melting point
-100 °C
Boiling point
157 to 158
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1
Flash point
74 °C
HS code
293090
Category
Insecticides and acaricides
UN number
UN 2966
Illustrative photo, clear liquid in sealed glass ampoules on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is 2-Mercaptoethanol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Mercaptoethanol is a primary alcohol and an alkanethiol. It has a role as a geroprotector.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-sulfanylethanol
CAS number
60-24-2 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-464-6
Molecular formula
C2H6OS
UNII
14R9K67URN
MDL number
MFCD00004890
InChIKey
DGVVWUTYPXICAM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H6OS/c3-1-2-4/h3-4H,1-2H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(CS)O

Synonyms

  • Beta-Mercaptoethanol
  • Mercaptoethanol
  • Thioglycol
  • 2-Sulfanylethanol
  • Ethanol, 2-mercapto-
  • Thioethylene glycol
  • 2-Thioethanol
  • 2-Hydroxyethanethiol
  • Monothioglycol
  • Thiomonoglycol
  • 2-Hydroxyethyl mercaptan
  • 2-Hydroxy-1-ethanethiol
  • Monothioethylene glycol
  • 1-Ethanol-2-thiol
  • Hydroxyethyl mercaptan
  • 2-Mercapto-1-ethanol
  • 1-Hydroxy-2-mercaptoethane
  • 2-Mercaptoethyl alcohol
  • Mercaptoetanol
  • USAF EK-4196
  • Ethylene glycol, monothio-
  • beta-Hydroxyethanethiol
  • 1-Mercapto-2-hydroxyethane
  • Emery 5791
  • Monothioethyleneglycol
Show all 35 synonyms
  • beta-Hydroxyethylmercaptan
  • 2 Mercaptoethanol
  • 2-sulfanylethan-1-ol
  • 2-Hydroxyethylmercaptan
  • 2-Mercaptoethanol, >=99.0%
  • 2-mercapto ethanol
  • 2mercaptoethanol
  • 2-mercapto-ethanol
  • 2-sulfanyl-ethanol
  • beta-sulfanylethanol

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Water-white mobile liquidexp.
Odour
Strong disagreeable odorexp.
Melting point
-100 °Cexp.
Boiling point
157 to 158exp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1exp.
Flash point
74 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
295 °Cexp.
Solubility
Miscible in waterexp.
Vapour pressure
1.756 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
78.14 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
78.0139 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.09calc.
Topological polar surface area
20.23 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
4calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment
231NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H310Fatal in contact with skin.
  • H311Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H331Toxic if inhaled.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.

3 more on the safety page.

Precautionary statements (33)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2966
Transport hazard class
6.1
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

2-Mercaptoethanol suppliers

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All 80 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

80 suppliers in 18 countries

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2-Mercaptoethanol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Solvent for dyestuffs, intermediate for producing dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, rubber chemicals, flotation agents, insecticides, plasticizers, water-soluble reducing agent, biochemical reagent, PVC stabilizers, agricultural chemicals, textile auxiliary.

In organic synthesis, as biochemical research tool.

Industrial uses: Chain transfer agent, Processing aids not otherwise specified, Corrosion inhibitor, Processing aids, specific to petroleum production, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Corrosion inhibitor.

Roles

  • geroprotector
  • pharmaceutical
  • protective agent

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient

How it is made

Base-catalyzed cleavage of epoxides with hydrogen sulfide gives mercaptoalcohols. Symmetrical bis(1-hydroxyalkyl) sulfides are formed as byproducts. Inorganic bases, amines and anion exchange resins, zeolites, or guanidine can be used as catalysts. In industry, preparation of mercaptoethanol by addition of H2S to ethylene oxide is catalyzed by either a cation exchange resin or the byproduct thiodiglycol.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code 2-Mercaptoethanol is traded under.

HS 2930.90Indicative HS code

Organo-sulphur compounds, other

World exports in 2024
$5.83B
+0.1% vs 2023, imports $5.93B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China40.7%
  2. United States10.9%
  3. Japan9.3%
Top importers
  1. United States13.3%
  2. Brazil12.6%
  3. China6.6%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for 2-Mercaptoethanol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about 2-Mercaptoethanol, based on the data on this page

What is 2-Mercaptoethanol?

Mercaptoethanol is a primary alcohol and an alkanethiol. It has a role as a geroprotector.

What is the CAS number of 2-Mercaptoethanol?

The CAS registry number of 2-Mercaptoethanol is 60-24-2.

What is the molecular formula and weight of 2-Mercaptoethanol?

The molecular formula of 2-Mercaptoethanol is C2H6OS and its molar mass is 78.14 g/mol.

What is 2-Mercaptoethanol used for?

Solvent for dyestuffs, intermediate for producing dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, rubber chemicals, flotation agents, insecticides, plasticizers, water-soluble reducing agent, biochemical reagent, PVC stabilizers, agricultural chemicals, textile auxiliary. In organic synthesis, as biochemical research tool.

Is 2-Mercaptoethanol hazardous?

2-Mercaptoethanol carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: toxic if swallowed, harmful if swallowed, fatal in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of 2-Mercaptoethanol?

2-Mercaptoethanol is usually classified under HS code 293090 (Organo-sulphur compounds, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy 2-Mercaptoethanol?

CompoundList lists 80 suppliers of 2-Mercaptoethanol in United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom and 14 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy 2-Mercaptoethanol in India?

2 suppliers in India list 2-Mercaptoethanol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of 2-Mercaptoethanol?

Suppliers quote 2-Mercaptoethanol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle 2-Mercaptoethanol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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