2-Mercaptoethanol
CAS 60-24-2
EC 200-464-6
Formula C2H6OS
MW 78.13 g/mol
Alcohols & Glycols Biotechnology & Life SciencesPharmaceuticals & HealthcarePersonal Care & CosmeticsTextile, Leather & Paper Cross-linking & CuringSolvent & Carrier
Description
2-Mercaptoethanol (CAS 60-24-2), also known as BME, 2-ME, 2-thioethanol, and thiomonoglycol, is a sulfur-containing alcohol with the molecular formula C2H6OS. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 29309070. It is registered under REACH and assigned EC number 200-464-6.
In biotechnology and life sciences, 2-mercaptoethanol reduces disulfide bonds in proteins by donating a free thiol group, enabling denaturation and structural analysis. In textile and leather processing, this same reactivity breaks keratin disulfide linkages, facilitating fiber modification and depilation. It also functions as a solvent and reaction intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis.
This product is supplied as a reagent-grade liquid suitable for laboratory and industrial-scale applications. It is subject to REACH regulations and should be handled in accordance with applicable EU chemical safety requirements. Packaging formats are available on request to meet specific procurement volumes.
In biotechnology and life sciences, 2-mercaptoethanol reduces disulfide bonds in proteins by donating a free thiol group, enabling denaturation and structural analysis. In textile and leather processing, this same reactivity breaks keratin disulfide linkages, facilitating fiber modification and depilation. It also functions as a solvent and reaction intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis.
This product is supplied as a reagent-grade liquid suitable for laboratory and industrial-scale applications. It is subject to REACH regulations and should be handled in accordance with applicable EU chemical safety requirements. Packaging formats are available on request to meet specific procurement volumes.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -100 °C |
| Boiling Point | 157 °C |
| Density | 1.1143 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 165 °F |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless to slightly yellow |
| Odor | Disagreeable odor |
| Form | liquid |
| Water Solubility | soluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.500(lit.) |
| pH | 4.5-6 (500g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -0.20 |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29309070 |
| UN Number | 2966 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 6.1A - Combustible acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2 very toxic hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
BME2-ME2-THIOETHANOLThiomonoglycolMercaptoethanolβ-Mercaptoethanol2-MERCAPTHOETHANOL
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Raw Materials
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