3-Mercapto-1-propanol (CAS 19721-22-3) is a bifunctional organic compound that holds significant value in various chemical synthesis applications due to its unique structural features. Possessing both a thiol (-SH) and a hydroxyl (-OH) group, it acts as a versatile building block for creating complex molecules and modifying surfaces. Understanding its chemical properties is key to leveraging its full potential.

Key Chemical Properties:

  • Appearance: Typically a clear, colorless liquid.
  • Molecular Formula: C3H8OS
  • Molecular Weight: 92.16 g/mol
  • Thiol Reactivity: The thiol group is nucleophilic and readily undergoes reactions such as alkylation, acylation, oxidation (to disulfides or sulfonic acids), and addition to double or triple bonds (thiol-ene and thiol-yne reactions). It also has a strong affinity for noble metal surfaces, forming robust self-assembled monolayers.
  • Hydroxyl Reactivity: The primary alcohol group can participate in esterification, etherification, oxidation to an aldehyde or carboxylic acid, and other typical alcohol reactions.
  • Solubility: Generally soluble in common organic solvents like ethanol and DMSO, and has limited solubility in water.
  • Purity: High purity grades, such as the ≥98.5% assay offered by manufacturers like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., are crucial for precise chemical reactions and reproducible results.

Synthesis Applications:

The dual functionality of 3-Mercapto-1-propanol makes it invaluable in several areas of synthesis:

  1. Surface Modification: Its thiol group strongly binds to gold surfaces, enabling the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The exposed hydroxyl group can then be further functionalized to create hydrophilic or bio-interactive surfaces.
  2. Oligosaccharide Synthesis: It serves as a traceless linker, connecting carbohydrate building blocks to a solid support during synthesis. This allows for controlled chain elongation and eventual clean cleavage of the linker.
  3. Polymer Chemistry: It can be incorporated into polymers through thiol-ene click chemistry, introducing pendant hydroxyl groups for further modification or cross-linking.
  4. Bioconjugation: The thiol group can be used to attach biomolecules (like peptides or proteins) to surfaces or nanoparticles.

Procuring High-Quality 3-Mercapto-1-propanol

To ensure successful synthesis outcomes, it is imperative to source 3-Mercapto-1-propanol from a reliable manufacturer. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is a dedicated supplier in China, committed to providing high-purity chemical intermediates. Our product's consistent quality and competitive pricing make us an ideal partner for your research and industrial needs. If you need to buy 3-Mercapto-1-propanol for your synthesis projects, please contact us for a quotation and to discuss our supply capabilities.