3-Mercaptopropionic Acid (3-MPA) – CAS No. 107-96-0

3-Mercaptopropionic Acid (3-MPA), with the chemical formula HSCH₂CH₂COOH and CAS Number 107-96-0, is a multifunctional organosulfur compound widely recognized as a reducing agent, chelator, and stabilizer in chemical synthesis, personal care, and metal surface treatments.

NAME Methacrylic acid
ANALYSIS  RESULT
ITEM STANDARD TEST RESULT
Appearance colorless clear liquid colorless clear liquid
MAA % ≥ 99.9 99.9
H2O % ≤ 0.05 0.0093
Chroma Hazen ≤ 10 4
MQ mg/kg 170-270 190

Applications-3-Mercaptopropionic acid

Personal Care and Cosmetics

  • Hair Perming and Waving: Incorporated at 2-5% in neutralizers to break keratin disulfide bonds, achieving curl without damage.
  • Skin Care Formulations: 0.5-2% as a reducing agent in anti-aging serums to stabilize actives and enhance penetration.

Chemical Synthesis and Metal Treatment

  • Polymer Stabilization: Added at 0.1-1% to prevent oxidation in polyurethanes and acrylics during extrusion.
  • Electroless Plating: 1-3% in baths to chelate metals and promote uniform nickel-phosphorus deposition on PCBs.

Industrial Uses

  • Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Reducing agent in peptide synthesis for cysteine protection and deprotection.
  • Water Treatment: 5-10 ppm to sequester iron and copper, controlling scale in cooling systems.

Why Choose Our 3-Mercaptopropionic acid(3-MPA)?

Our 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid is distilled to <0.1% water and sulfur impurities <0.05%, providing odorless, high-potency performance with minimal discoloration in formulations. Cosmetic chemists report 20% faster disulfide reduction and 15% better curl retention in perms. Available in technical and cosmetic grades, packaged in 200kg drums or 1000kg IBCs, with REACH, TSCA, and Kosher certifications for global compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-3-Mercaptopropionic acid

What is 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid (3-MPA)?

3-Mercaptopropionic Acid (3-MPA) is an organosulfur compound with formula HSCH₂CH₂COOH and CAS 107-96-0, used as a reducing agent. It’s a liquid that cleaves disulfides and chelates metals in synthesis and personal care.

How is 3-MPA used in hair perming?

Formulate 3-5% in alkaline lotions; it penetrates cuticles to reduce cystine bonds, enabling reshaping—neutralize with hydrogen peroxide for fixation.

Is 3-MPA safe for cosmetic applications?

Yes, it’s CIR-approved up to 5% in leave-on products, with low sensitization and rapid metabolism, though patch tests are recommended.

What is the shelf life of 3-MPA?

In nitrogen-sealed containers below 25°C, it remains stable for 12-18 months, protected from oxidation.

Can 3-MPA be combined with other thiols?

3-MPA synergizes with cysteine at 1:1 ratios for enhanced reduction but avoid strong acids to prevent hydrogen sulfide evolution.

Does 3-MPA affect pH in formulations?

Its acidic pH (2.5-3.0) lowers solution pH mildly; buffer with amines for neutral cosmetics without compromising activity.

What packaging options are available for 3-MPA?

We supply 200kg HDPE drums, 1000kg IBCs, and 20MT tankers, all lined for thiol preservation and UN-compliant.

For reduction protocols, stability tests, or custom purity, our synthesis experts are available.

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