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Builders and chelating agents

Dimercaprol

Also known as 2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanol, 2,3-Dimercaptopropanol, Sulfactin

CAS 59-52-9Formula C3H8OS2Molar mass 124.23 g/molEC 200-433-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant 70 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Dimercaprol chemical structure, C3H8OS2, CAS 59-52-9
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Viscous oily liquid
Melting point
77 °C
Boiling point
68 to 69
Density
1.2385 at 25 °C/4 °C
Flash point
>112.8
HS code
293090
Category
Builders and chelating agents
UN number
UN 2810
Illustrative photo, closed amber glass reagent bottles on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Dimercaprol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Dimercaprol is a dithiol that is propane-1,2-dithiol in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by a hydroxy group. a chelating agent originally developed during World War II as an experimental antidote against the arsenic-based poison gas Lewisite, it has been used clinically since 1949 for the treatment of poisoning by arsenic, mercury and gold. It can also be used for treatment of poisoning by antimony, bismuth and possibly thallium, and (with sodium calcium edetate) in cases of acute leaad poisoning. Administration is by (painful) intramuscular injection of a suspension of dimercaprol in peanut oil, typically every 4 hours for 2-10 days depending on the toxicity. In the past, dimercaprol was also used for the treatment of Wilson's disease, a severely debilitating genetic disorder in which the body tends to retain copper, with resultant liver and brain injury. It has a role as a chelator. It is a primary alcohol and a dithiol.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2,3-bis(sulfanyl)propan-1-ol
CAS number
59-52-9 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-433-7
Molecular formula
C3H8OS2
UNII
0CPP32S55X
MDL number
MFCD00004864
InChIKey
WQABCVAJNWAXTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H8OS2/c4-1-3(6)2-5/h3-6H,1-2H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(C(CS)S)O

Synonyms

  • 2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanol
  • 2,3-Dimercaptopropanol
  • Sulfactin
  • Dithioglycerine
  • Dicaptol
  • 1,2-Dithioglycerol
  • 2,3-Dithiopropanol
  • British Anti-Lewisite
  • dimercaptopropanol
  • Antoxol
  • Dimersol
  • Panobal
  • British antilewisite
  • Dithioglycerol
  • Dimercaprolum
  • 1-Propanol, 2,3-dimercapto-
  • Usaf me-1
  • 1,2-Dimercapto-3-propanol
  • 3-Hydroxy-1,2-propanedithiol
  • Dimercaprol propanol
  • 2,3-Dimercaptopropan-1-ol
  • 2,3-Dimercaptol-1-propanol
  • 2,3-Mercaptopropanol
  • Dimerkaprol
  • alpha,beta-Dithioglycerol
Show all 39 synonyms
  • Glycerol, 1,2-dithio-
  • Dimercaprolo
  • Dimercaptol
  • 1-Propanol, 2,3-dimercapto
  • 2,3-Mercaptopropan-1-ol
  • 2,3-disulfanylpropan-1-ol
  • Anti-Lewisite
  • 2,3-dithiopropan-1-ol
  • 2,3,-dimercapto-1-propanol
  • (2RS)-2,3-Disulfanylpropan-1-ol
  • British Anti Lewisite
  • 2,3 Dimercaptopropanol
  • Anti-Lewisite, British
  • 2,3 Dithiopropan 1 o1

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
Viscous oily liquidexp.
Odour
Pungent offensive odor of mercaptansexp.
Melting point
77 °Cexp.
Boiling point
68 to 69exp.
Density
1.2385 at 25 °C/4 °Cexp.
Flash point
>112.8exp.
Solubility
Solubility in water: 8.7 g/100 mLexp.
Vapour pressure
VP: 1.9 mm Hg at 80 °C, 40 mm Hg at 140 °C.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
124.23 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
124.0017 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.21calc.
Topological polar surface area
20.23 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
3calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
6calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
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
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H301Toxic if swallowed.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (21)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • 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.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • 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.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it 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 2810

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

Dimercaprol suppliers

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All 70 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

70 suppliers in 11 countries

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Dimercaprol 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

Antidote to Lewisite, organic arsenicals.

Therapeutic category: Antidote (heavy metal poisoning).

Pharmacological actions

  • Chelating Agents

Roles

  • chelator
  • ligand

Pharmacology

Dimercaprol is a Metal Chelator. The mechanism of action of dimercaprol is as a Metal Chelating Activity.

How it is made

A methanol solution of NaOH is saturated with hydrogen sulfide, resulting in the formation fo sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaSH). 2,3-Dibromopropanol is added and the mixture heated at 40 deg under pressure.

Prepd by bromination of allyl alcohol to glycerol dibromohydrin followed by reaction with sodium hydrosulfide under pressure. Also prepd by hydrogenation of hydroxypropylene trisulfide: US patent 2,402,665 (1946 to Du Pont). Stereospecific synth: Anisuzzaman, Owen, J Chem Soc (c) 1967, 1021.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

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

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Dimercaprol, based on the data on this page

What is Dimercaprol?

Dimercaprol is a dithiol that is propane-1,2-dithiol in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by a hydroxy group.

What is the CAS number of Dimercaprol?

The CAS registry number of Dimercaprol is 59-52-9.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Dimercaprol?

The molecular formula of Dimercaprol is C3H8OS2 and its molar mass is 124.23 g/mol.

What is Dimercaprol used for?

Antidote to Lewisite, organic arsenicals. Therapeutic category: Antidote (heavy metal poisoning).

Is Dimercaprol hazardous?

Dimercaprol carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: toxic if swallowed, causes skin irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Dimercaprol?

Dimercaprol 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 Dimercaprol?

CompoundList lists 70 suppliers of Dimercaprol in United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom and 7 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Dimercaprol?

Suppliers quote Dimercaprol 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 Dimercaprol

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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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