Cysteamine hydrochloride
Description
Cysteamine hydrochloride (CAS 156-57-0), also sold as mercaptamine hydrochloride or cysteamine HCl, is a stable salt form of the aminothiol cysteamine used across pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial processing applications.
Its thiol and amine functional groups make it a reactive intermediate and active agent in synthesis, formulation, and surface treatment processes. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of active ingredients.
It is the basis for cystinosis treatment formulations, making it a high-value procurement target for API manufacturers. Textile and leather processors use it as a reducing agent in wool and hair fiber treatments.
This enables controlled disulfide bond cleavage for permanent waving, softening, and depilation products. In agriculture and animal feed, it functions as a growth-promoting additive and antioxidant stabilizer in premix formulations.
Food manufacturers source it as a flavoring agent and dough conditioner, where its reducing action on gluten disulfide bonds improves dough extensibility in baked goods. It is supplied as a white crystalline powder.
Standard commercial grades include pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP and BP specifications, as well as technical-grade product for industrial and agricultural use.
Packaging typically ranges from kilogram quantities up to bulk drum supply depending on application requirements. This ensures flexibility for both small-scale laboratory use and large-scale industrial manufacturing.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 70.2-70.7 °C |
| Boiling Point | 238.5°C[at 101 325 Pa] |
| Density | 0.75 |
| Appearance | White Solid |
| Color | White |
| Form | Crystalline Powder or Pellets |
| Water Solubility | VERY SOLUBLE |
| Vapor Pressure | 5.333Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | 1.6100 (estimate) |
| pH | 3.3-5.0 (400g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -2.14 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29309070 |
| UN Number | 3335 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
2-Aminoethanethiol hydrochloride|Cysteamine HCl|Mercaptamine hydrochloride|Cysteaminium chloride|Bekaptan|ETHANETHIOL, 2-AMINO-, HYDROCHLORIDE|Mercaptoethylamine hydrochloride|Merkamin hydrochloride
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