Phenylthioacetic acid is the simplest aromatic thio-ether carboxylic acid, consisting of a phenylthio group linked to an acetic acid moiety. The compound is odourless to faintly sulfurous, air-stable, readily soluble in common organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane) and moderately soluble in hot water.
Key physicochemical data:
Melting point: 64–66 °C
Predicted boiling point: 315 °C at 760 mmHg
Density: 1.30 g cm⁻³ (predicted)
pKa (carboxylic): ~3.8
Log P (octanol/water): 2.1 (predicted)
Typical uses:
Versatile building block for phenyl-thio-acetate esters, sulfoxides and sulfones used in pharmaceutical and agro-chemical synthesis.
Precursor for phenyl-thio-acetyl containing NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors and herbicide safeners.
Model substrate for mechanistic studies on α-thio carboxylic acid oxidation and metal-catalysed C–S bond activation.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (HPLC): ≥99 %
Water content (KF): ≤0.3 %
Residue on ignition: ≤0.1 %
Heavy metals: ≤20 ppm
Hazard statement:
Causes skin and eye irritation (R36/37/38). Harmful if swallowed (R22). Avoid inhalation of dust; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidants. SDS available on request.
