3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid, also known as DMSA, is a compound that has applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and agriculture. In everyday life, this compound is primarily used as a chelating agent to remove toxic heavy metals from the body. It is commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals as a chelation therapy to treat heavy metal toxicity, particularly in cases of lead or mercury exposure. Additionally, DMSA is also used in the agriculture industry to remove heavy metals from soil and water, thereby improving crop quality and overall environmental health. Overall, the relevance of 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid to everyday life lies in its important role in detoxification and environmental remediation processes.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
1. 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is primarily utilized in the commercial and industrial sectors for its ability to act as a key ingredient in the production of pesticides and herbicides. Due to its potent antimicrobial properties, it is also commonly used as a preservative in various consumer products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Additionally, this compound is employed in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals like pharmaceutical intermediates and fragrances.
2. On the pharmaceutical front, 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid plays a crucial role in drug development as a building block for synthesizing new therapeutic agents. Its versatile chemical structure allows for modification and optimization to create drugs that target specific diseases and disorders. In the realm of medication, this compound may be utilized in formulations for treating dermatological conditions, respiratory ailments, and other medical disorders where its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
3-(Dimethyl-Lambda4-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid, also known as Dimethyl Thiovaleric Acid, appears as a white crystalline solid with a slight unpleasant odor. It is commonly used as a building block in organic synthesis due to its unique chemical structure.
The molar mass of 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda4-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is approximately 148.24 g/mol, with a density of about 1.06 g/cm^3. In comparison to common food items, such as table salt (NaCl) with a molar mass of 58.44 g/mol and a density of 2.16 g/cm^3, Dimethyl Thiovaleric Acid is heavier and less dense.
The melting point of 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda4-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is around 60-62°C, while the boiling point is roughly 186-188°C. Compared with common food items like sugar (sucrose) with a melting point of 186°C and a boiling point of 186°C, Dimethyl Thiovaleric Acid has similar boiling points but a lower melting point.
3-(Dimethyl-Lambda4-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is sparingly soluble in water, with a low viscosity. In contrast, common food items like sugar and salt are highly soluble in water with various viscosities. This difference in solubility and viscosity makes Dimethyl Thiovaleric Acid less suitable for food applications.
🏭 Production & Procurement
3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid, also known as dithioacetic acid, is produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis process. The starting material for this synthesis is typically dimethyl disulfide, which undergoes various reactions to form the final product. These reactions often involve sulfur-containing reagents and catalysts to introduce the sulfanyl group onto the propanoic acid backbone.
Once 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is synthesized, it can be procured from chemical suppliers specializing in organic sulfur compounds. The compound is typically sold in its pure form as a solid or a liquid, depending on the specific requirements of the end user. Transportation of 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid can be arranged through commercial carriers such as freight companies or specialized chemical transport services, ensuring safe delivery to the customer.
It is important to handle 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid with care due to its potential corrosive and toxic properties. Proper safety precautions should be taken during its production, procurement, and transportation to prevent exposure to the compound. Storage of the compound should be in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources and incompatible chemicals to maintain its stability and integrity.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid should be taken seriously to prevent harm or accidents in the laboratory or workplace. It is essential to use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats when handling this chemical. In addition, proper ventilation should be ensured to prevent inhalation of hazardous fumes. It is also crucial to store this chemical in a tightly sealed container away from incompatible substances to avoid accidental reactions or spills.
Hazard statements related to 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid include causing skin irritation and serious eye damage upon contact. This chemical may also be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. It is important to keep this substance away from heat, sparks, open flames, or hot surfaces as it may react vigorously or combust. In case of any exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and contaminated clothing should be removed.
Precautionary statements for 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid include wearing protective gloves, clothing, eye protection, and face protection as recommended by the manufacturer. It is advised to wash hands thoroughly after handling this chemical and avoid breathing vapors, mist, or spray. In case of fire, appropriate fire-fighting measures should be taken, and spillage should be contained to prevent environmental contamination. It is essential to follow proper disposal procedures in accordance with local regulations and guidelines.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid could explore its potential pharmaceutical applications, particularly in the development of new drugs for various medical conditions. The compound’s unique structure and properties may provide insights into novel treatment strategies for diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders.
Another promising research direction for 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is its potential as a precursor in organic synthesis. Investigation into the compound’s reactivity and ability to participate in various chemical reactions could lead to the development of new synthetic methods and the production of valuable organic compounds.
Furthermore, research into the environmental impact of 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is essential to understand its potential ecological risks and benefits. Studies on the compound’s biodegradability, toxicity, and environmental fate could guide efforts to mitigate any negative effects and explore its potential applications in environmental remediation.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 3-(Dimethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid based upon molecular structure is 3-(Methyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid. In this compound, one of the methyl groups in the dimethyl substituent has been replaced with a hydrogen atom, leading to a slightly different chemical structure but maintaining the overall composition of the molecule. This substitution may result in altered chemical properties and biological activities compared to the original compound.
Another similar compound is 3-(Ethyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid, where one of the methyl groups in the dimethyl substituent has been replaced with an ethyl group. This change in the alkyl chain length may lead to differences in solubility, stability, and affinity for biological targets compared to the original compound. Despite the structural similarity, subtle variations in chemical properties can have significant implications for the compound’s pharmacological effects.
3-(Isopropyl-Lambda~4~-Sulfanyl)propanoic Acid is yet another related compound, where one of the methyl groups in the dimethyl substituent has been replaced with an isopropyl group. This alteration can impact the compound’s lipophilicity, conformational flexibility, and interactions with enzymes or receptors. By modifying the alkyl chain attached to the sulfur atom, researchers can explore the structure-activity relationships of these compounds and potentially uncover new leads for drug development.