2-Mercaptopropionic acid
Agent Name
2-Mercaptopropionic acid
Alternative Name
Thiolactic acid
CAS Number
79-42-5
Formula
C3-H6-O2-S
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
2-Mercaptopropanoic acid; 2-Thiolactic acid; 2-Thiolpropionic acid; alpha-Mercaptopropanoic acid; alpha-Mercaptopropionic acid; Propanoic acid, 2-mercapto-; Propionic acid, 2-mercapto-; Thiolactic acid; [ChemIDplus] Mercaptopropionic acid; [CAMEO] UN2936
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Liquid with a disagreeable odor; mp = 10 deg C; [Merck Index] Colorless liquid with a stench; mp = 10-14 deg C; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used in depilatory and hair waving products; [Merck Index] Used as a flavoring agent; [FDA]
Comments
Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] Toxic by ingestion and skin absorption; [CAMEO] Causes burns; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract and lungs; Toxic by ingestion; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 700 ppm
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: