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Hair care agents

3-Mercaptopropionic acid

Also known as 3-Mercaptopropanoic acid, 3-Sulfanylpropanoic acid, 3-Thiopropanoic acid

CAS 107-96-0Formula C3H6O2SMolar mass 106.15 g/molEC 203-537-0
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant 73 suppliers listed
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3-Mercaptopropionic acid chemical structure, C3H6O2S, CAS 107-96-0
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Clear liquid
Melting point
16.8 °C
Boiling point
111 °C
Density
1.218 AT 21 °C
Solubility
SOL IN WATER, ALCOHOL, BENZENE, & ETHER
HS code
293090
Category
Hair care agents
Illustrative photo, an amber glass solvent bottle with clear liquid on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is 3-Mercaptopropionic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

3-mercaptopropanoic acid is a mercaptopropanoic acid that is propanoic acid carrying a sulfanyl group at position 3. It has a role as an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a 3-mercaptopropionate.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3-sulfanylpropanoic acid
CAS number
107-96-0 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
203-537-0
Molecular formula
C3H6O2S
UNII
B03TJ3QU9M
MDL number
MFCD00004897
INCI name
MERCAPTOPROPIONIC ACID
InChIKey
DKIDEFUBRARXTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H6O2S/c4-3(5)1-2-6/h6H,1-2H2,(H,4,5)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(CS)C(=O)O

Synonyms

  • 3-Mercaptopropanoic acid
  • 3-Sulfanylpropanoic acid
  • 3-Thiopropanoic acid
  • 3-Thiopropionic acid
  • beta-Mercaptopropionic acid
  • Propanoic acid, 3-mercapto-
  • 2-Mercaptoethanecarboxylic acid
  • beta-Thiopropionic acid
  • Thiohydracrylic acid
  • beta-Mercaptopropanoic acid
  • Propionic acid, 3-mercpato-
  • 3 Mercaptopropionic Acid
  • 3 Mercaptopropanoic Acid
  • Acid, 3-Mercaptopropanoic
  • Acid, 3-Mercaptopropionic
  • Mercaptopropionic acid
  • Hydracrylic acid, 3-thio-
  • Propionic acid, 3-mercapto-
  • 3-Thiolpropanoic acid
  • 3-thiohydracrylic acid
  • 3-mercapto-propionic acid
  • 3-Mercaptopropionicacid
  • Mercaptopropionic acid, 3-
  • Deamino cysteine
  • ss--Thiopropionic acid
Show all 33 synonyms
  • b-mercaptopropionic acid
  • betamercaptopropionic acid
  • 3-mercapto-propanoic acid
  • ss--Mercaptopropanoic acid
  • ss--Mercaptopropionic acid
  • 3-Sulfanylpropanoic acid #
  • 4-03-00-00726 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • 3-Mercaptopropanoic acid, 9CI

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
Clear liquidexp.
Odour
STRONG & ACRID, SULFIDE LIKE ODORexp.
Melting point
16.8 °Cexp.
Boiling point
111 °Cexp.
Density
1.218 AT 21 °Cexp.
Solubility
SOL IN WATER, ALCOHOL, BENZENE, & ETHERexp.

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
2calc.
Heavy atoms
6calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
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

Hazard statements

  • H290May be corrosive to metals.
  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H311Toxic in contact with skin.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
Precautionary statements (25)
  • P234Keep only in original packaging.
  • 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.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face 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.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • 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.
  • P390Absorb spillage to prevent material damage.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P406Store in a corrosion resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

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

3-Mercaptopropionic acid suppliers

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All 73 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

73 suppliers in 12 countries

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3-Mercaptopropionic acid 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

Stabilizer, antioxidant, catalyst, chemical intermediate.

Has been tried in cold-wave preparations.

As experimental convulsant agent.

Chemical intermediate for 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid-may be unisolated.

Industrial uses: Plasticizer, Chain transfer agent.

Consumer uses: Plasticizer.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name MERCAPTOPROPIONIC ACID(depilatory, hair waving or straightening, reducing)

Pharmacological actions

  • Convulsants
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • GABA Agents

Roles

  • algal metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • metabolite

Functional uses

  • Depilatory
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Hair waving or straightening
  • Reducing agent

Cosmetic functions

  • Depilatory
  • Hair waving or straightening
  • Reducing

How it is made

Reaction of beta-propiolactone with sodium hydrogen sulfide.

Probably by reaction of propenoic acid with hydrogen sulfide in the presence of an alkaline catalyst

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 3-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 3-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 3-Mercaptopropionic acid, based on the data on this page

What is 3-Mercaptopropionic acid?

3-mercaptopropanoic acid is a mercaptopropanoic acid that is propanoic acid carrying a sulfanyl group at position 3. It has a role as an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a 3-mercaptopropionate.

What is the CAS number of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid?

The CAS registry number of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid is 107-96-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid?

The molecular formula of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid is C3H6O2S and its molar mass is 106.15 g/mol.

What is 3-Mercaptopropionic acid used for?

Stabilizer, antioxidant, catalyst, chemical intermediate. Has been tried in cold-wave preparations. As experimental convulsant agent. Chemical intermediate for 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid-may be unisolated. Industrial uses: Plasticizer, Chain transfer agent. Consumer uses: Plasticizer. Use classes: Cosmetics.

Is 3-Mercaptopropionic acid hazardous?

3-Mercaptopropionic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may be corrosive to metals, toxic if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid?

3-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 3-Mercaptopropionic acid?

CompoundList lists 73 suppliers of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid in China, United States, Germany, United Kingdom and 8 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy 3-Mercaptopropionic acid in India?

1 supplier in India list 3-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 3-Mercaptopropionic acid?

Suppliers quote 3-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 3-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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