Description

Mercaptopropionic Acid is a versatile organosulfur compound featuring both a thiol (-SH) and a carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional group. This dual functionality makes it a critical intermediate for synthesizing a wide range of specialty chemicals and polymers. It is essential for manufacturers in the polymer, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries seeking to introduce sulfur-containing moieties or modify material properties.

Application

• Polymer Industry: Acts as a chain transfer agent (CTA) or modifier in the production of acrylic polymers, polyurethanes, and synthetic rubbers to control molecular weight and introduce thiol end-groups.
• Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Serves as a key building block for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug candidates, particularly those requiring a thiol or propionic acid backbone.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Used in the manufacture of herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators where the mercapto group is integral to biological activity.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Employed in the synthesis of specific ingredients for hair care formulations and as a precursor for certain stabilizers.
• Chemical Intermediate: A precursor for other valuable chemicals like 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid, used as an antioxidant and stabilizer in plastics and lubricants.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Functions as a cross-linking agent or adhesion promoter in specialty adhesive formulations.
• Research & Development: Utilized in organic synthesis and material science research for introducing thiol functionality into target molecules.

Basic Information

Product Name	Mercaptopropionic Acid
CAS No.	30232-12-3
Molecular Formula	C3H6O2S
Molecular Weight	106.14 g/mol
Synonyms	3-Mercaptopropionic Acid; 3-MPA; β-Mercaptopropionic Acid; Thiolactic Acid (homolog); 3-Sulfanylpropanoic Acid; Propanoic acid, 3-mercapto-; USAF EK-1890; NSC 47128
EINECS	250-120-6

Quality Control

Our Mercaptopropionic Acid is produced under strict quality management systems. Each batch undergoes rigorous analytical testing to ensure it meets precise specifications for purity, identity, and impurity profiles. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing assay, specific gravity, and critical impurity limits is provided with every shipment to guarantee consistency and support your quality assurance protocols.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) to minimize oxidation. Recommended storage temperature is 2-8°C for long-term stability. Keep away from strong oxidizers, bases, and sources of heat.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (GC or Titration)	≥ 98.0%
Specific Gravity (20°C)	1.215 - 1.225
Refractive Index (n20D)	1.490 - 1.500
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.5%

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