Description

3-Mercaptopropionic Acid is a versatile organosulfur compound with a terminal thiol and carboxylic acid group, making it a valuable bifunctional building block. Its primary commercial value lies in its ability to act as a chain transfer agent in polymer synthesis and as a key intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This product is essential for manufacturers in the polymer, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries seeking to modify material properties or synthesize active ingredients.

Application

• Polymer Industry: Primarily used as an effective chain transfer agent (CTA) or modifier in the production of acrylic resins, polyacrylates, and styrene-acrylic copolymers to control molecular weight.
• Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Serves as a crucial precursor in the synthesis of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including certain ACE inhibitors and other cardiovascular drugs.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Employed in the manufacture of herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Used in the synthesis of ingredients for hair permanents and depilatory agents.
• Chemical Intermediate: Acts as a starting material for producing other mercaptans, thioesters, and ligands for metal catalysis.
• Crosslinking Agent: Functions in the vulcanization of rubber and as a crosslinker for specific epoxy and polyurethane systems.
• Bioconjugation and Protein Chemistry: Utilized for introducing thiol groups into biomolecules for labeling or immobilization purposes.

Basic Information

Product Name	3-Mercaptopropionic Acid
CAS No.	107-96-0
Molecular Formula	C3H6O2S
Molecular Weight	106.14 g/mol
Synonyms	3-Mercaptopropanoic Acid; β-Mercaptopropionic Acid; Thiolactic Acid (less common); USAF EK-1896; NSC 756; 3-Thiopropionic Acid; MPAA; MPA; 3-Sulfanylpropanoic Acid (IUPAC)
EINECS	203-537-0

Quality Control

Our 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid is produced under a strict quality management system. Every batch undergoes rigorous analytical testing to ensure it meets precise specifications for purity, identity, and impurity profiles. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing results for assay, specific gravity, water content, and other critical parameters is provided with each shipment to guarantee consistency and traceability.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Due to its properties of being easily oxidized and highly volatile, it is recommended to store under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) and at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C for long-term stability. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and metals.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (GC)	≥ 98.0 %
Specific Gravity (20°C)	1.215 - 1.225
Refractive Index (n20D)	1.491 - 1.501
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.5 %

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.