Overview
3-Mercaptopropionic acid (CAS 107-96-0 ), also known as beta-mercaptopropionic acid and abbreviated as 3-MPA, is a bifunctional thiol acid used across polymer chemistry and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Its dual reactive sites, a thiol group and a carboxylic acid, make it a practical building block and chain transfer agent in industrial processes and food flavoring applications.
In polymer manufacturing, 3-MPA acts as a chain transfer agent during free-radical polymerization, allowing formulators to control molecular weight in acrylic and vinyl-based resins.
The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors use it as a linker or intermediate in peptide conjugation and nanoparticle surface functionalization, particularly in gold nanoparticle synthesis.
Assigned FEMA 4587 , it is approved as a flavoring agent in food applications where sulfur-containing compounds contribute to meat, savory, and roasted flavor profiles.
It also functions as a catalyst precursor and stabilizer in PVC processing, where it supports organotin-based heat stabilizer formulations for industrial manufacturing.
3-Mercaptopropionic acid is supplied as a clear to pale yellow liquid. Standard commercial grades include technical and high-purity variants to meet specific synthesis requirements.
Pharmaceutical-grade material is available for bioconjugation needs. Packaging typically ranges from small laboratory quantities up to bulk drum supply for large-scale operations.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 16.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 111 °C @ Press: 15 Torr |
| Density | 1.218 g/cm³ @ Temp: 21 °C |
| Flash Point | 201 °F |
| Appearance | clear colourless to yellowish liquid after melting |
| Color | White |
| Odor | sulfurous roasted |
| Form | Crystalline Powder, Crystals, and/or Chunks |
| Water Solubility | soluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.04 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.492(lit.) |
| pH | 2 (120g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -2.3 at 22℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H290 May be corrosive to metals H301 Toxic if swallowed H311 Toxic in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H370 Causes damage to organs Precautionary Statements P234 Keep only in original packaging. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P390 Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. P405 Store locked up. P406 Store in a corrosion-resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29309070 |
| UN Number | 2922 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 107-96-0
- EC Number
- 203-537-0
- Mol. Weight
- 106.15
- HS Code
- 29309070
- Category
- Flavors & Fragrances