Description

3-Mercaptobutyric Acid is a versatile organosulfur compound featuring both a carboxylic acid and a thiol functional group, making it a valuable building block in organic synthesis. This dual functionality is critical for applications requiring precise molecular modification, such as the synthesis of complex pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. It is particularly sought after by researchers and manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries for creating thioesters, peptide mimetics, and as a ligand precursor.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Key building block for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially those containing sulfur, and for prodrug development.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Used in the production of herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protection agents where the thiol group introduces specific biological activity.
• Polymer Modification: Serves as a chain transfer agent or functional monomer to introduce thiol groups into polymers, altering properties like adhesion and cross-linking capability.
• Ligand and Catalyst Preparation: Utilized in the synthesis of chelating ligands for metal catalysis and in the preparation of gold nanoparticles.
• Flavor and Fragrance Industry: Acts as a precursor for sulfur-containing flavor compounds, contributing to meaty, roasted, or savory notes.
• Bioconjugation and Proteomics: Employed in biochemical research for labeling proteins and peptides via thiol-specific reactions.

Basic Information

Item	Details
Product Name	3-Mercaptobutyric Acid
CAS No.	26473-49-4
Molecular Formula	C4H8O2S
Molecular Weight	120.17 g/mol
Synonyms	3-Mercaptobutanoic Acid; 3-Sulfanylbutanoic Acid; β-Mercaptobutyric Acid; 3-Thiobutanoic Acid; NSC 169016; Butanoic acid, 3-mercapto-
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our 3-Mercaptobutyric Acid is produced under a strict quality management system. Every batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing, including assay, identification, and impurity profiling, to ensure it meets the high standards required for research and industrial synthesis. Certificates of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, physical properties, and safety data are available upon request to support your quality assurance and regulatory compliance needs.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place at room temperature (15-25°C). Due to its properties as a strong acid/organic solvent and being easily oxidized, it is recommended to store under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) for long-term stability and to minimize oxidation of the thiol group. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 97.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.5%
Refractive Index (20°C)	1.480 - 1.490
Density (20°C)	1.15 - 1.20 g/mL

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