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Impurities and reference standards

(±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid

Also known as 2-Mercaptopropionic acid, Thiolactic acid, 2-Mercaptopropanoic acid

CAS 79-42-5Formula C3H6O2SMolar mass 106.15 g/molEC 201-206-5
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe) 20 suppliers listed
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(±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid chemical structure, C3H6O2S, CAS 79-42-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
CAS number
79-42-5
Formula
C3H6O2S
Physical form
Liquid
HS code
293090
Category
Impurities and reference standards
UN number
UN 2936
Illustrative photo, 200 litre blue HDPE drums of liquid in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

2-mercaptopropanoic acid is a mercaptopropanoic acid.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-sulfanylpropanoic acid
CAS number
79-42-5 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
201-206-5
Molecular formula
C3H6O2S
UNII
O5U6967KGF
MDL number
MFCD00004862
INCI name
THIOLACTIC ACID
InChIKey
PMNLUUOXGOOLSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H6O2S/c1-2(6)3(4)5/h2,6H,1H3,(H,4,5)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(C(=O)O)S

Synonyms

  • 2-Mercaptopropionic acid
  • Thiolactic acid
  • 2-Mercaptopropanoic acid
  • 2-Thiolactic acid
  • alpha-Mercaptopropionic acid
  • Propanoic acid, 2-mercapto-
  • Propionic acid, 2-mercapto-
  • (+-)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid
  • 2-Sulfanylpropanoic acid
  • 2-Thiolpropionic acid
  • alpha-Mercaptopropanoic acid
  • Tiopronin Impurity B
  • 2-mercapto-propionic acid
  • Tiopronin Impurity 4
  • 2-mercapto propionic acid
  • mercapto-propionic acid
  • Thiolactic acid, 95%
  • 2-Mercapto-Propanoic acid
  • alpha -mercaptopropanoic acid
  • alpha -mercaptopropionic acid
  • 4-03-00-00682 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • UN 2936
  • 2-Mercaptopropionic acid, >=95%, FG
  • (+/-)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid
  • 2-Mercaptopropionic acid, analytical standard
Show all 26 synonyms
  • 2-Mercaptopropionic acid(Discontinued,See C4X-15164)

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

Physical form
Liquidexp.

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
106.15 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
106.0089 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.39calc.
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
6calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
1calc.
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)

Hazard statements

  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H311Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (22)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • 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.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P361 + P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • 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 2936
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-Mercaptopropionic acid suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

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Where suppliers are based

20 suppliers in 6 countries

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(±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name THIOLACTIC ACID(antioxidant, depilatory, hair waving or straightening, fragrance)

Functional uses

  • Antioxidant
  • Deodorizer
  • Depilatory
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Hair waving or straightening
  • Reducing agent

Cosmetic functions

  • Antioxidant
  • Depilatory
  • Fragrance
  • Hair waving or straightening
  • Reducing

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

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-Mercaptopropionic acid 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-Mercaptopropionic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid, based on the data on this page

What is (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid?

2-mercaptopropanoic acid is a mercaptopropanoic acid.

What is the CAS number of (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid?

The CAS registry number of (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid is 79-42-5.

What is the molecular formula and weight of (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid?

The molecular formula of (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid is C3H6O2S and its molar mass is 106.15 g/mol.

What is (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid used for?

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Is (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid hazardous?

(±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: toxic if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, causes severe skin burns and eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid?

(±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid 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-Mercaptopropionic acid?

CompoundList lists 20 suppliers of (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid in China, Germany, United States, Canada and 2 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-Mercaptopropionic acid in India?

1 supplier in India list (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid 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-Mercaptopropionic acid?

Suppliers quote (±)-2-Mercaptopropionic acid 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-Mercaptopropionic acid

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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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