Mercaptoethanol

Synonyms

1-Ethanol-2-thiol; 1-Hydroxy-2-mercaptoethane; 1-Mercapto-2-hydroxyethane; 2-Hydroxy-1-ethanethiol; 2-Hydroxyethanethiol; 2-Hydroxyethyl mercaptan; 2-ME; 2-Mercapto-1-ethanol; 2-Mercaptoethanol; 2-Mercaptoethyl alcohol; 2-Thioethanol; Emery 5791; Ethanol, 2-mercapto-; Ethylene glycol, monothio-; Hydroxyethyl mercaptan; Mercaptoetanol; Monothioethylene glycol; Monothioethyleneglycol; Monothioglycol; Thioethylene glycol; Thioglycol; Thiomonoglycol; beta-Hydroxyethanethiol; beta-Hydroxyethylmercaptan; [ChemIDplus] UN2966

Category

Sulfur Compounds (Alcohols)

Description

Water-white liquid with a disagreeable odor; [Hawley] Colorless liquid with a stench; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used to make dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, rubber chemicals, flotation agents, insecticides, and plasticizers; Also used as solvent (dyestuffs), reducing agent, PVC stabilizer, and textile auxiliary; [Hawley]

Comments

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS effects; [ICSC] Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption; [CAMEO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin and eyes; May cause skin sensitization; [CHEMINFO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause pulmonary edema; May be fatal by skin absorption; [MSDSonline] No injuries were reported to persons exposed after an accidental spill; Causes corneal scarring, severe skin irritation, and foci of hepatic necrosis in animal experiments; [AIHA]

Biomedical References

1 mm Hg

0.12 ppm

Odor Threshold High

0.64 ppm

LCLo (rat) = 250 ppm/8h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 74 deg C; [Hawley] Odor threshold from CHEMINFO;

high ambient temp required

0.2 ppm

Yes

Yes

Other CNS neurotoxin

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic