2-mercaptoethanol

2-Mercaptoethanol

2-Mercaptoethanol (also β-mercaptoethanol, BME, 2BME, 2-ME or β-met) is the chemical compound with the formula HOCH₂CH₂SH. It is a hybrid of ethylene glycol, HOCH₂CH₂OH, and 1,2-ethanedithiol, HSCH₂CH₂SH. ME or βME, as it is commonly abbreviated, 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.