Description

2-Mercaptobutyric Acid is a versatile organosulfur compound featuring both a thiol and a carboxylic acid functional group, making it a valuable building block in organic synthesis. Its primary commercial value lies in its role as a key intermediate for the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty polymers. This high-purity chemical is essential for research and manufacturing in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, and material science industries, where precise molecular construction is critical.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: A crucial precursor in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly those containing thioether linkages or designed for controlled release.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Used in the manufacture of herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators where the thiol group introduces specific biological activity.
• Polymer Modification: Serves as a chain transfer agent or a functional monomer to introduce thiol groups into polymers, altering properties like adhesion, cross-linking density, and stability.
• Ligand for Metal Complexation: The thiol and carboxylate groups allow it to act as a chelating agent for various metals, useful in catalysis and material science.
• Bioconjugation Chemistry: Employed in biochemical research for labeling proteins, peptides, and other biomolecules via thiol-specific reactions.
• Flavor and Fragrance Industry: Acts as an intermediate for synthesizing sulfur-containing flavor compounds, contributing to meaty, roasted, or savory notes.
• Corrosion Inhibitor Formulation: Used in specialty formulations to protect metals, particularly in acidic environments.
• Research & Development: A valuable reagent in academic and industrial R&D for exploring new synthetic methodologies and novel compound libraries.

Basic Information

Product Name	2-Mercaptobutyric Acid
CAS No.	26473-48-3
Molecular Formula	C4H8O2S
Molecular Weight	120.17 g/mol
Synonyms	2-Mercaptobutanoic Acid; Thiolactic Acid Homolog; α-Mercaptobutyric Acid; 2-Sulfanylbutanoic Acid; 2-Thiobutanoic Acid; Butanoic acid, 2-mercapto-; 2-MBA
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our 2-Mercaptobutyric Acid is manufactured under a strict quality management system. Each batch undergoes rigorous analytical testing, including assay by titration and impurity profile analysis by GC/HPLC, to ensure it meets high-purity standards suitable for synthetic applications. Certificates of Analysis (COA) with lot-specific data are provided to guarantee traceability and consistency for your critical processes.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place at 2-8°C to minimize oxidation and volatility. Keep away from strong oxidizers, bases, and metals.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (GC/Titration)	≥ 98.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.5%
Related Substances (GC/HPLC)	Contact for details
Refractive Index	Contact for details
Density	~1.15 g/cm³

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