CAS Number: 60-24-2
Molecular Formula: C2H6SO
Molecular Weight: 78.133
IUPAC Name: 2-Sulfanylethan-1-ol
Other Names: 2-Mercaptoethan-1-ol, 2-Hydroxy-1-ethanethiol, β-Mercaptoethanol, Thioglycol
2-Mercaptoethanol (also β-mercaptoethanol, BME, 2BME, 2-ME or β-met) is the chemical compound with the formula HOCH2CH2SH.
ME or βME, as it is commonly abbreviated, is used to reduce disulfide bonds and can act as a biological antioxidant by scavenging hydroxyl radicals (amongst others).
It is widely used because the hydroxyl group confers solubility in water and lowers the volatility. Due to its diminished vapor pressure, its odour, while unpleasant, is less objectionable than related thiols.
