2-(Phenylthio)ethanol is a bifunctional aromatic–aliphatic thio-ether carrying a hydroxyl group at the β-position to sulfur. It is air-stable, miscible with water and most organic solvents (dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, alcohols, ketones), and is commercially supplied ≥99 % pure with ≤0.2 % water.
Key physicochemical data:
Density: 1.17 g cm⁻³ (20 °C)
Refractive index n²⁰/D: 1.585
Boiling point: 138–140 °C / 6 mmHg; 287 °C / 760 mmHg
Flash point: >110 °C (closed cup)
Log P (octanol/water): 1.6 (predicted)
Typical uses:
Versatile building block for phenyl-thio-ethyl ethers, sulfoxides and sulfones used in pharmaceutical and agro-chemical synthesis.
Precursor for photoinitiators, UV-curable monomers and polymer-chain transfer agents.
Model substrate for mechanistic studies on β-hydroxy thio-ether oxidation and metal-catalysed C–S bond activation.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (GC): ≥99 %
Water content (KF): ≤0.2 %
Free thiol (as PhSH): ≤0.1 %
Residue on ignition: ≤0.1 %
Heavy metals: ≤20 ppm
Hazard statement:
Causes skin and eye irritation (H315 + H319). Avoid inhalation of vapour; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. SDS available on request.
