Mercaptopropionic acid
Mercaptopropionic Acid: High-Purity Industrial Chemical Solution
Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) is a crucial organic compound widely used in pharmaceutical synthesis, polymer modification, and biochemical research. With its unique thiol functional group, this versatile chemical serves as an excellent crosslinking agent and stabilizer in various industrial applications.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Formula: C3H6O2S
- Molecular Weight: 106.14 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
- Odor: Characteristic mercaptan odor
- Purity: ≥99.0%
- Density: 1.218 g/cm³ at 25°C
- Melting Point: 16-19°C
- Boiling Point: 110-112°C at 10 mmHg
- Flash Point: 93°C (199°F)
Packaging Options
| Package Type | Volume | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle | 100ml | Glass |
| Jerrican | 5kg | HDPE |
| Drum | 25kg | HDPE |
| IBC Tank | 1000kg | Stainless Steel |
Storage Recommendations
- Store in tightly closed containers under inert atmosphere
- Keep away from oxidizing agents and strong bases
- Maintain temperature between 2-8°C for long-term storage
- Use corrosion-resistant equipment for handling
Mercaptopropionic Acid FAQ
What are the primary applications of Mercaptopropionic acid?
Mercaptopropionic acid serves multiple industrial functions. In polymer chemistry, it acts as chain transfer agent in radical polymerization processes. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes it for synthesizing thiol-containing drug intermediates. Additionally, it's employed as a stabilizer in PVC production and as a biochemical reagent for protein modification studies. Its ability to form disulfide bridges makes it valuable in nanotechnology applications too.
What safety precautions should be taken when handling Mercaptopropionic acid?
Always use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene recommended) and safety goggles when handling Mercaptopropionic acid. Work in well-ventilated areas or use fume hoods due to its strong odor. Avoid skin contact as it may cause irritation. In case of accidental exposure, immediately flush affected areas with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Store separately from oxidizing agents to prevent hazardous reactions.
How should Mercaptopropionic acid samples be prepared for analysis?
For accurate analysis, prepare Mercaptopropionic acid solutions in deoxygenated solvents under nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation. Typical concentrations range from 0.1-1.0 M in water, methanol or buffer solutions. When used for HPLC analysis, acidify mobile phase with 0.1% formic acid to improve peak shape. For long-term storage of analytical standards, aliquot into amber vials and freeze at -20°C under nitrogen blanket.
Quality Assurance Parameters
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.0% | ASTM E260 |
| Water Content | ≤0.5% | Karl Fischer |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | USP 281 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | ICP-OES |
Shipping Information
- UN Number: UN3334
- Proper Shipping Name: Mercaptopropionic acid
- Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
- Packing Group: III
- Transport Category: 3
- Special Provisions: Limited Quantity
Mercaptopropionic acid remains an essential chemical building block with growing demand across multiple industries. Our high-purity formulation meets stringent quality requirements for research and industrial applications, backed by comprehensive technical support and reliable global supply chain management.