Methyl Thioglycolate (Methyl 2-Sulfanylacetate) CAS 2365-48-2

What Is Methyl Thioglycolate?

Methyl thioglycolate is an organic sulfur compound containing both a reactive thiol group and a methyl ester group. Its IUPAC name is methyl 2-sulfanylacetate, and it is also known as methyl mercaptoacetate or mercaptoacetic acid methyl ester.

The product is commonly used as a sulfur-containing intermediate in organic synthesis. It normally appears as a clear, colorless to light-yellow liquid with a characteristic sulfurous odor.

Methyl Thioglycolate Identification and Properties

The values shown on this page are general reference information. Final specifications must be confirmed against the agreed specification and batch Certificate of Analysis.

Is Methyl Thioglycolate Organic or Inorganic?

Methyl thioglycolate is an organic compound. It contains a carbon-based ester structure and a reactive sulfhydryl, or thiol, group.

Commercially, it is best classified as an organic sulfur intermediate or fine chemical intermediate. If only one website category can be selected, “Intermediates” is the most appropriate choice.

Is Methyl 2-Sulfanylacetate the Same as Methyl Thioglycolate?

Yes. Methyl 2-sulfanylacetate is the systematic IUPAC name for methyl thioglycolate.

The following names normally refer to the same substance with CAS No. 2365-48-2:

• Methyl Thioglycolate

• Methyl 2-Sulfanylacetate

• Methyl Mercaptoacetate

• Mercaptoacetic Acid Methyl Ester

• Thioglycolic Acid Methyl Ester

• Acetic Acid, Mercapto-, Methyl Ester

It should not be confused with thioglycolic acid, methyl thioacetate or other thioglycolate esters.

What Is Methyl Thioglycolate Used For?

Pharmaceutical Intermediate Synthesis

Methyl thioglycolate can introduce a thioglycolate or sulfur-containing side chain into organic molecules. It is used as a building block in selected pharmaceutical-intermediate processes.

Agrochemical Intermediate Synthesis

Its reactive thiol group can participate in carbon–sulfur bond formation, making it useful in the development and production of selected pesticide and agrochemical intermediates.

Sulfur-Containing Heterocycles

Methyl thioglycolate is used in reactions that produce thiophenes and other sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds.

Specialty Organic Synthesis

The molecule contains both thiol and ester functionality, allowing it to participate in substitution, condensation and sulfur-functionalization reactions.

Research and Process Development

Reagent grades are used in laboratory synthesis, reaction screening, impurity identification and process-development studies.

Suitability must be evaluated for the intended reaction. Product grade, impurity profile and regulatory documentation should be confirmed before use.

Methyl Thioglycolate vs. Similar Chemicals

Always verify the complete chemical name and CAS number before placing an order.

Which Methyl Thioglycolate Grade Should Buyers Select?

A sample evaluation is recommended before commercial-scale use.

Which Quality Specifications Should Buyers Compare?

GC purity alone may not fully describe product performance. Buyers should also evaluate water, acidity, color, refractive index and thiol oxidation products.

Commercial reagent specifications commonly show approximately 98–99% GC assay and a refractive index around 1.464–1.467 at 20°C. These are market references, not guaranteed AOZUN specifications unless confirmed in the quotation and contract.

Why Are Packaging and Headspace Control Important?

Methyl thioglycolate contains a reactive thiol group and has a characteristic sulfurous odor. Exposure to air may also contribute to oxidation and the formation of disulfide-related impurities.

The product should therefore be supplied in tightly sealed, chemically compatible packaging with suitable closure integrity. Packaging material, container size and any special headspace requirements should be confirmed before ordering.

Storage and Safe Handling

Store methyl thioglycolate in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep the container tightly closed and away from heat, ignition sources, oxidizing agents and incompatible materials.

The material is classified by major suppliers as a flammable liquid and may be harmful or toxic through certain exposure routes. Avoid breathing vapor and prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Handling must follow the current Safety Data Sheet, applicable regulations and site-specific risk assessment. Appropriate ventilation, gloves, eye protection and closed transfer practices should be used.

Which Documents Should a Supplier Provide?

Depending on the application and destination market, buyers may request:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Product specification

• GC chromatogram

• Test-method information

• Country-of-origin statement

• Packaging information

• Shelf-life or retest information

• Transport classification

• Additional impurity data

Document requirements should be confirmed before the order is finalized.

Why Source Methyl Thioglycolate from AOZUN?

AOZUN can assist customers with product matching, specification confirmation, sample evaluation and commercial order coordination.

For an accurate quotation, please provide:

• Intended application

• Required GC assay

• Critical impurity limits

• Required quantity

• Packaging requirements

• Destination country

• Required technical documents

Final specifications, packaging, availability and documentation are confirmed according to the selected product and commercial order.

Methyl Thioglycolate FAQ

Is Methyl Thioglycolate a Thiol?

Yes. It contains a free sulfhydryl group and a methyl ester group. This combination makes it a useful sulfur-containing synthetic intermediate.

Is Methyl Thioglycolate the Same as Thioglycolic Acid?

No. Thioglycolic acid contains a free carboxylic acid group, while methyl thioglycolate is its methyl ester. They have different CAS numbers and physical properties.

Why Can Methyl Thioglycolate Change Color During Storage?

Color changes may be associated with oxidation, contamination or process-related impurities. Appearance and color should be checked against the batch specification.

Which Impurities Are Important?

Potentially relevant parameters include residual thioglycolic acid, water, oxidation products, disulfide-related compounds and other process-related organic impurities.

Is Methyl Thioglycolate a Fine Chemical or an Intermediate?

It is a fine chemical primarily used as an organic sulfur intermediate. For website categorization, “Intermediates” is normally the better choice.

Request a Methyl Thioglycolate Quotation

Contact AOZUN for Methyl Thioglycolate, CAS No. 2365-48-2. Include your application, target specification, quantity, packaging and delivery destination so that the appropriate product can be evaluated.