Thioanisole is a non-viscous, water-insoluble liquid that remains stable over the pH range 3–9. The compound is valued for four main end-uses:
Photoinitiator synthesis – Serves as the key raw material for UV-907, a high-performance radical photoinitiator widely used in UV-curable inks, varnishes and 3-D printing resins.
Deprotection reagent – Acts as an efficient, acid-cleavable scavenger for N-Z, O-benzyl and O-methyl protecting groups in peptide and oligosaccharide synthesis.
Pharmaceutical & agro-chemical intermediate – Undergoes electrophilic substitution to give 4-nitro-, 4-bromo- or 4-amino-thioanisole derivatives that are precursors to fungicides, insecticides and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Flavour & fragrance building block – FEMA-GRAS 3873, used at 0.1–5 mg kg⁻¹ to impart a spicy, woody, sawdust note to meat seasonings and oriental perfumes.
The product is essentially non-volatile (vapour pressure 0.7 mm Hg @ 25 °C) but has a persistent odour; store under nitrogen at 2–8 °C. It is harmful if swallowed (rat oral LD₅₀ 891 mg kg⁻¹) and is irritating to skin and eyes; handle with gloves and local exhaust ventilation.
