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Chemical Name: 2-Mercaptoethanol
Synonyms: β-Mercaptoethanol, Thioethylene glycol, 2-Hydroxyethyl mercaptan
CAS Number: 60-24-2
Molecular Formula: C2H6OS
Molecular Weight: 78.13 g/mol
Product Description: Colorless liquid, distinct foul odor similar to rotten eggs
Manufacturing Origin: Widely manufactured throughout the global chemical industry for laboratory and industrial use
Recommended Use: Used as a reducing agent, scattered across biochemical research and protein analysis
GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 3, Acute Toxicity (Dermal) Category 3, Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) Category 3, Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 2, Serious Eye Damage/Irritation Category 2, Specific Target Organ Toxicity Single Exposure Category 3
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled; Causes skin irritation; Causes serious eye irritation; May cause respiratory irritation
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing mist, wear gloves and goggles, handle in fume hood, wash thoroughly after handling
Long-term Exposure Risks: Prolonged contact increases risk of liver and kidney damage, CNS depression, possible reproductive effects
Major Routes of Entry: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Component: 2-Mercaptoethanol
Concentration: ≥99% purity, rarely found with additives
Impurities: Trace water, possible traces of ethylene glycol, hydrogen sulfide
Stabilizers/Preservatives: Absent in most formats, consult supplier for specific bulk mixtures
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical attention promptly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water thoroughly, seek immediate medical care for irritation or rash
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, support breathing as needed, obtain urgent medical help even for brief exposure
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, seek emergency treatment
Critical Symptoms: Severe irritation, burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing
Follow-up Actions: Monitor for delayed symptoms such as respiratory distress, keep emergency resuscitation equipment handy
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide to extinguish
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets may spread product
Hazards during Fire: Toxic fumes of sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide released under combustion
Protective Gear: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing, chemical resistant boots and gloves
Fire Response Tips: Contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination, evacuate area due to risk of toxic vapor clouds
Special Procedures: Cool unopened containers with water spray to avoid rupture from heat exposure
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ensure proper ventilation, eliminate ignition sources, restrict access
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or full face shield, lab coat or apron, respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to drains, soil, or natural waterways
Spill Containment: Absorb with inert materials (sand, earth, vermiculite), collect in sealed waste containers
Clean-up Methods: Neutralize residues with diluted bleach if advised by safety officer, ventilate area until completely cleared of vapors
Decontamination: Wash surfaces with plenty of water and detergent, monitor air for vapors before re-entry
Safe Handling Practices: Use only in well-ventilated spaces, avoid all skin and eye contact, prohibit eating and drinking around chemical
Avoid Exposure To: Heat, sparks, open flames, direct sunlight, incompatible chemicals like acids and oxidizers
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed original container, cool dry location, segregated from food and incompatible materials
Labeling: Clearly mark containers with toxic warning, do not use unlabelled containers, check packaging for deterioration regularly
Maintenance: Regularly clean storage area, inspect safety equipment, monitor for vapor buildup using proper detection instruments
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs): ACGIH TLV: 0.2 ppm (TWA), OSHA: Not established, NIOSH REL: 0.2 ppm (skin)
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hood, continuous air exchange systems, negative pressure containment if available
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves (change regularly), splash-proof goggles, face shield, chemical-resistant apron or suit, NIOSH-approved respirator for vapors
Hygiene Measures: Clean hands and face thoroughly after using, remove contaminated clothing immediately, prohibit smoking in work areas
Emergency Equipment: Eyewash stations and safety showers placed near work locations
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, unpleasant sulfur odor resembling rotten eggs
Boiling Point: 157°C
Melting Point: -100°C
Flash Point: 74°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 0.67 kPa at 20°C
Vapor Density (air = 1): 2.7
Solubility in Water: Complete miscibility
Density: 1.114 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH: Not specified for bulk liquid, slightly acidic
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): -0.36
Auto-ignition Temperature: 295°C
Evaporation Rate: Not rapid compared to water, but vaporizes at room temperature
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, may oxidize with prolonged exposure to air
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis, copper and copper alloys, sodium, calcium hypochlorite
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, ethylene oxide upon overheating or combustion
Reactivity: May release heat and toxic gases with incompatible chemicals, reacts with copper piping
Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization spontaneously, keep away from reactive agents
Acute Toxicity: High oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity with LD50 (oral, rat) around 244 mg/kg; inhalation LC50 (rat, 4h) about 0.5 mg/l
Chronic Effects: Reports of liver and kidney damage from repeated exposure, skin sensitization, possible neurotoxicity
Irritant Properties: Localized skin and eye burns, sustained inhalation may cause lung irritation and pulmonary edema
Symptoms of Overexposure: Nausea, headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, confusion, unconsciousness in severe cases
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive/Developmental Effects: Some animal studies suggest effects at high doses, not conclusive in humans yet
Target Organs: Central nervous system, liver, kidneys, skin, eyes, respiratory system
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, rapid oxygen demand can deplete water systems, LC50 (96 h, fish) ranges from 24 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent, can biodegrade under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low bioaccumulation potential, log Kow below 1
Mobility in Soil: Very high mobility, dissolves and moves easily through soil profile
Other Adverse Effects: Disrupts microbial communities, significant disruption of nutrient cycling in water systems if released in volume
Disposal Methods: Incinerate in chemical incinerator equipped with afterburner and scrubber, avoid release to environment
Waste Classification: Treat as hazardous waste in accordance with local, regional, and federal regulations
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse, puncture, and dispose following hazardous waste protocols; never reuse empty drums
Prohibited Disposal: Do not dump into drains, sewers, or watercourses
Recommended Disposal Partner: Work with certified hazardous waste management firms informed about sulfur-containing chemicals
UN Number: UN2966
Proper Shipping Name: 2-Mercaptoethanol
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant in bulk, can pose significant hazard if spilled during transit
Special Transport Notes: Ship in tightly sealed approved packaging, mark with toxic and environmentally hazardous substance labels
Emergency Response Guide: Guide No. 153, toxic substances section provided by transport authorities
Classification under GHS: Classified as dangerous, subject to general duty control, Manufacturer must supply safety data sheet on demand
US OSHA: Covered under Hazard Communication Standard, proper labeling and training required
TSCA: Listed, subject to reporting requirements for manufacture/import
EU REACH: Registered, subject to restrictions regarding workplace exposure and use in consumer products
Inventory Listings: Present in AICS, DSL, ENCS, EINECS/ELINCS, PICCS, TSCA
Specific State Requirements: Covered by California Proposition 65 for hazardous chemicals
Other International Laws: Subject to local environmental and occupational health rules, import/export controls enforced in many regions
