3-Mercapto-1,2-propanediol

Production Methods

Monothioglycerol is prepared by heating an ethanolic solution of 3- chloro-1,2-propanediol with potassium bisulfide.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Monothioglycerol is used as an antioxidant in pharmaceutical formulations, mainly in parenteral preparations.Monothioglycerol is reported to have some antimicrobial activity.It is also widely used in cosmetic formulations such as depilating agents. Therapeutically, monothioglycerol has been used in a 0.02% w/w aqueous solution to stimulate wound healing, and as a 0.1% w/w jelly in atrophic rhinitis.

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal and intravenous routes. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. Flammable when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits hghly toxic fumes of SOx.

Safety

Monothioglycerol is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material at the concentrations used as a pharmaceutical excipient. It is used in topical and injectable preparations. Undiluted monothioglycerol is considered a poison by the IP and IV routes; it has also been reported to be mutagenic. LD50 (cat, IV): 0.22 g/kg LD50 (mouse, IP): 0.34 g/kg LD50 (rabbit, IV): 0.25 g/kg LD50 (rat, IP): 0.39 g/kg

storage

Monothioglycerol is unstable in alkaline solutions. Monothioglycerol should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

Incompatibilities

Monothioglycerol can react with oxidizing materials.

Regulatory Status

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (IM, IV and other injections). Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Nonmedicinal Ingredients.

Definition

ChEBI: A thiol that is glycerol in which one of the primary hydroxy groups is replaced by a thiol group.

General Description

1-Thioglycerol stimulates the synthesis of porphyrin in aerobically growing Escherichia coli. It is an inhibitor of glycerol kinase activity in vitro and in situ.