2-Mercaptoethanol
Food Additives 2025-03-02
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-Mercaptoethanol |
| Synonyms | β-Mercaptoethanol, 2-Hydroxyethyl Mercaptan, Thioglycol |
| CAS Number | 60-24-2 |
| Formula | C2H6OS |
| Molecular Weight | 78.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless volatile liquid with a strong odor |
| Physical Properties | Density: 1.115 g/cm³; Melting Point: -100°C; Boiling Point: 157°C; Flash Point: 73.9°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, alcohols, and ethers; insoluble in hydrocarbons |
| Chemical Role | Reducing agent in organic reactions |
| Biological Applications | – Reducing disulfide bonds in proteins and nucleic acids, altering their conformation and function – Commonly used in SDS-PAGE sample buffers at a concentration of 5% – Protects free cysteine thiol groups in proteins from forming disulfide bonds |
| Safety Precautions | Irritant to eyes and skin; toxic if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin Wear appropriate protective equipment and handle in a well-ventilated area |
2-Mercaptoethanol, also known as β-Mercaptoethanol or Thioglycol, is a colorless volatile liquid with a strong odor. It has a CAS number of 60-24-2 and a molecular weight of 78.13 g/mol. This compound is soluble in water, alcohols, and ethers but insoluble in hydrocarbons.
In organic reactions, 2-Mercaptoethanol serves as a reducing agent. In biological applications, it is commonly used to reduce disulfide bonds in proteins and nucleic acids, altering their conformation and function. It is also employed in SDS-PAGE sample buffers at a concentration of 5% and can protect free cysteine thiol groups in proteins from forming disulfide bonds.
However, 2-Mercaptoethanol is an irritant to eyes and skin and is toxic if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin. Therefore, appropriate protective equipment should be worn, and it should be handled in a well-ventilated area.
