Definition for Difference between revisions of "2-mercaptoethanol"
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(Created page with "2-Mercaptoethanol is the chemical compound with the formula HOCH<sub>2</sub>CH2SH. It is a hybrid of ethylene glycol, HOCH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH, and 1,2-ethanedithiol, HSC...") |
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| − | 2-Mercaptoethanol is the chemical compound with the formula HOCH<sub>2</sub> | + | 2-Mercaptoethanol is the chemical compound with the formula HOCH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>SH. It is a hybrid of ethylene glycol, HOCH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>OH, and 1,2-ethanedithiol, HSCH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>SH. 2-Mercaptoethanol 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.<br> |
Latest revision as of 19:31, 8 November 2011
2-Mercaptoethanol is the chemical compound with the formula HOCH2CH2SH. It is a hybrid of ethylene glycol, HOCH2CH2OH, and 1,2-ethanedithiol, HSCH2CH2SH. 2-Mercaptoethanol 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.