Chemists first described 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid at a time when sulfur chemistry started to unravel details about strongly acidic yet stable organic compounds. Back in the 1970s, pharmaceutical and agrochemical researchers worked to locate new functional building blocks capable of delivering targeted reactivity, especially those that could be made in bulk and reliably handled. This compound stood out. Laboratories working on guanidine derivatives found that attaching a thiopropyl group widened their toolbox for stabilizing charged intermediates. Real-world progress often follows bench-top hunches, and this molecule joined the growing catalog of specialty chemicals supporting new molecules, formulations, and catalytic processes. For years, manufacturers improved yields and purity, while journals began to feature its use not as a curiosity, but as an industrial staple.
Known for a unique combination of basic and acidic behavior, this compound became favored in synthesis and biochemistry. Its structure brings together the guanidine group’s basicity, a thioether’s flexibility, and a sulfonic acid’s strong acidity. Used as a reagent, stabilizer, and buffer, it ends up in both laboratory experimentation and factory systems. Producers package it in solid or solution form, labeled according to industry standards and destined for process control, drug synthesis, and diagnostic kits.
Ease of handling comes from the compound’s crystalline, hygroscopic solid form. Its high water solubility lets it dissolve quickly, a trait that saves time during sample preparation. Under ordinary conditions, it remains stable, resisting light and moderate temperature shifts. That said, strong oxidizers can degrade it, and it releases unpleasant gases above 180°C. The high dipole moment, often overlooked, allows it to shuffle between aqueous and some organic phases, opening doors for extraction and purification steps. The white or off-white powder does clump in high humidity, but airtight containers keep it free-flowing for months.
Industrial standards focus on purity, moisture content, and verification by infrared, NMR, and titration analysis. Labels offer the chemical name, batch number, and hazard warnings, meeting GHS standards. Typical purity sits at or above 98%, with heavy metals below 20 ppm. Routine quality control checks for loss on drying under vacuum, and batch sheets document manufacturing and testing steps to meet traceability requirements. Users trust the certificate of analysis not out of habit, but because it’s their guarantee of reproducibility and safe handling.
Most often, synthesis proceeds through reaction of guanidinium chloride with 3-chloropropanesulfonic acid, using sodium thiosulfate as a sulfur transfer agent. Sometimes, direct alkylation of thiourea precedes introduction of the sulfonic acid group via sulfonation, followed by purification using solvent crystallization. Operators need efficient phase separation and careful temperature control to avoid side products or decomposition. Reactor design,, washing steps, and minimal human exposure top the priorities of scale-up operations. Waste streams get neutralized before discharge, respecting environmental impact and worker safety.
This compound reacts with alkylating agents and acylating reagents, mainly at the guanidine moiety, letting chemists build more complex, functionalized molecules. Its acidic sulfonic group partners with metals, sometimes forming stable salts. In analytical chemistry, derivatization of the thioether position produces UV-active species, used in detection and quantification methods. For those interested in conjugate synthesis, the molecule’s functional groups allow attachment to polymers, resins, or biologically active ligands without much fuss. Each pathway benefits from the ability to switch between ionic states with simple pH changes.
In catalogues and inventory systems, you’ll come across names like S-Propylsulfonateguanidine, 3-(Guanidinothiomethyl)propanesulfonic acid, and sometimes its sodium salt if pre-neutralized. Researchers may reference it by its systematic IUPAC name or by commercial trademarks, making ordering easy whether you’re pulling from a global chemical distributor or a local warehouse.
Handling this material calls for gloves, goggles, and lab coats, as direct skin or eye contact results in irritation. Operators work in well-ventilated spaces to avoid dust inhalation. Emergency protocols require eyewash stations and spill cleanup kits nearby, with all personnel trained to respond quickly. Containers need to stay tightly sealed, out of the reach of moisture and incompatible chemicals. Disposal must follow local environmental health protocols, as the sulfur content demands careful wastewater management. Workplace monitoring prevents accidental overexposure, and safety data sheets accompany each shipment.
Biochemists reach for this compound during enzyme reactions that thrive near neutral pH, using it as a buffering agent. Drug developers weave it into synthetic schemes where mild base strength and high solubility matter. Diagnostic companies use its salts in immunoassay buffers, stabilizing proteins under storage and processing stress. In catalysis, the thio group opens up ligand design, and metal recovery experts exploit the molecule’s chelating properties. Increasingly, agricultural R&D labs look at its derivatives to design new crop protection tools aimed at controlling delivery and release, aiming for less runoff and waste.
Recent years have brought a push toward greener production methods, shrinking organic solvent use and improving yields. Analytical chemists study its reactivity profile to develop safer or more effective chemical derivatization reagents. The guanidine moiety’s strong interactions with biological targets inspire peptide and protein modification studies, attempting to probe deeper into molecular interactions. The push for sustainable chemistry drives research into recyclable catalysts built upon this molecule’s backbone. At conferences and technical meetings, you hear this compound’s name alongside the emerging field of functional materials, hinting at layered constructions where sulfonic acid content tailors ion transport or conductivity.
Animal studies and in vitro assays show that acute oral toxicity sits in a moderate range, with larger doses producing gastrointestinal symptoms but little effect on the liver or kidneys at typical use levels. Chronic exposure studies remain limited, so industrial hygienists err on the side of caution, minimizing airborne dust and skin contact. Environmental assays point toward rapid degradation in water and soil, mainly driven by microbial sulfur metabolism. The compound’s breakdown products do not bioaccumulate, so risk assessments give it a relatively low environmental hazard rating. Still, new toxicology data emerges each year, helping regulators update safe exposure limits and defining permissible residue levels in finished products for pharmaceuticals and foods.
Looking ahead, product development teams see potential for 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid in smart hydrogels and as ionic transport facilitators in battery membranes, responding to fast-growing electronics and energy storage sectors. Modifications to the molecule produce additives for biodegradable plastics, targeting a future with reduced pollution. As the challenges in green chemistry shift, this molecule’s robust chemical framework makes it a candidate for catalytic transformations under milder conditions, cutting costs and emissions in large-scale synthesis. The fusion of proven stability, strong ionic properties, and compatibility with large biomolecules ensures a place for this compound in the next generation of high-impact, sustainable chemical innovations.
This chemical might sound foreign unless you have spent time in a lab, but 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid actually drives important work behind the scenes in biochemistry and medicine. Its more common name is taurine analog, and scientists use it to support research in enzyme reaction modification and inhibition. Years ago while working in an academic research group, I saw how a reliable chemical like this kept cell culture experiments on track.
Taurine, its better-known sibling, occurs in energy drinks and infant formula for a reason — it helps stabilize cell membranes and affects neuromodulation. The version with a guanidino group, as in this acid, matters for people studying how sulfur helps cells signal or manage oxidative stress. This compound steps into reaction mixtures where regular taurine won’t do, offering unique properties for probing enzyme targets such as arginase, nitric oxide synthase, and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase.
Research on treatments for kidney and liver damage leans on these specialized taurine derivatives. When scientists model what happens inside a liver recovering from toxic injury, or when kidneys have trouble clearing waste, 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid helps track protective effects or disruptions. Clinical researchers can’t run good preclinical studies without sturdy, reliable toolkit chemicals like this one.
This compound lands in clinical chemistry often, serving as a reference or standard for checking enzyme activities. In my lab rotations, we paired it with spectrophotometric analysis to measure protein activity disruptions in diabetes models. The sulfur and guanidino features allow precise detection of changes in tissue.
Researchers continue to search for early markers of diseases such as cardiovascular disorders or metabolic syndrome. 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid can serve as a substrate in sophisticated assays to track these markers. New insight follows, and in the long run, patients benefit from more accurate diagnostics and targeted therapies.
The world outside the clinic needs this acid for different reasons. Industrial wastewater sometimes contains tough-to-remove nitrogen or sulfur compounds. Engineers test solutions for breakdown using this compound as a model substrate. It reacts predictably, giving a clear signal about how well a particular biological treatment system functions. The results help prevent pollution escaping to rivers or fields.
Lab standards must meet strict guidelines to safeguard both researcher safety and data quality. If a technician cuts corners, toxins or impurities slip in. Using high-grade chemicals, such as pharmaceutical or analytical grade versions of this taurine-derived acid, helps assure credible results and fewer surprises during experiments.
Every year, more researchers from smaller institutions look for access to specialty reagents. Sometimes, supply chains break down or costs spike, putting studies at risk. More collaboration between suppliers and academic consortia can level the playing field, keeping prices reasonable and supply steady. For safety, routine refresher courses on handling sulfur-based compounds would cut down on injuries or exposure incidents.
I’ve seen how forgotten safety steps, rushed prep, or small spills affect not just data quality but real lives. Following best-practice chemical storage and disposal rules, along with keeping up with regulatory changes, protects both researchers and the environment alike. Investing in solid safety training pays off in the end.
Stepping into any chemistry lab brings back memories of crowded benches and rows of glassware, but on the shelves, I always notice labels packed with data. Molecular weight stands out on every reagent jar. For 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid, this value lands at 211.27 g/mol. Sitting there, that weight might seem like trivia, but its meaning threads through every decision a scientist makes, from calculating a dose to charting a manufacturing route.
Precision in science builds on knowing the real numbers—not rough guesses or hand-waving. In my early days, measuring out a reagent required scribbling calculations in a notebook: grams to moles, moles to milligrams, and the cycle continued. If the molecular weight sits off—even by a single decimal—those small daily errors can snowball. No one wants to rerun controls or waste cash on reagents that end up in the waste bin.
3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid isn’t a showpiece chemical, but once it hits a reaction flask or a biological assay, it asks to be understood. Its formula, C4H10N2O3S2, gives the building blocks:
Add those up, the final result reaches 211.27. Seeing the molecular weight listed with certainty quiets the doubts that can spark from incomplete reference tables or copy-paste errors in online resources.
A researcher working with 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid can’t just eyeball quantities. Pharmaceutical development leans heavily on reproducibility—human mistakes cost more than money. Dosage, binding affinity, and regulatory paperwork hang on knowing the exact mass that enters every system. I’ve seen teams run parallel studies, only to hit walls due to miscalculations at this step.
Suppliers have a responsibility here. A supplier offering vague or inconsistent molecular weights signals a quality risk. Regulatory audits scan paperwork for details like this. Fuzzy math doesn’t pass. An accurate molecular weight shows the producer double-checked models, confirmed structures, and kept an eye on synthesis contaminations or alternate isomers.
The science world can’t afford shortcuts or lazy practices. As more labs stretch thin budgets, reliable data becomes the backbone of chemistry. Databases like PubChem and ChemSpider list the weight, but cross-checking with reputable suppliers and peer-verified sources removes any lingering doubt. Trust doesn’t grow from silence; it grows from honest, accessible data and open communication if questions surface.
Chemistry often seems abstract if you glance at numbers without context. Yet each number, like that 211.27, ripples through every calculation and experiment. Accurate weights mean fewer roadblocks, more trustworthy results, and smarter science all around. That’s what keeps researchers grounded, cautious, and forward-looking in a world that never stands still.
Working in labs over the years, I’ve watched batches of chemicals go from pristine crystals to useless clumps simply because someone left them in the wrong spot. Storing a compound the right way often decides if it works for its job, or if it becomes a hazard. Everyone who’s dealt with chemicals on a regular basis has a story about learning the hard way. You’d think after seeing a bag of sodium ascorbate turn brown and clumpy once, folks would remember that air and moisture don’t mix well with it. But tight deadlines and busy workspaces mean these mistakes still sneak in.
Ignoring storage guidelines doesn't just risk an inconvenient cleanup—it leads to wasted money, unreliable results, and can put people at risk. For example, something as familiar as hydrogen peroxide in diluted form decomposes surprisingly fast at room temperature, especially with exposure to light. After a few weeks, its concentration can drop below what's needed for reliable disinfection. The solution? A dark bottle in a fridge, sealed tight. I’ve seen clinical labs flush away liters of degraded peroxide because someone put bottles on an open shelf.
Biological samples stand out as another reminder. Any researcher who’s pulled a protein reagent from a fridge with a questionable temperature knows how easily months of work can go down the drain. According to the CDC, vaccines lose potency in just a few hours above recommended cold chain ranges. Temperature loggers and regular checks aren’t overkill—they’re, in effect, a form of insurance.
Experience beats theory on storage. Once, I ordered a batch of organolithium for a synthesis run. The supplier sent it on dry ice, with the label screaming keep frozen, use under inert gas. I found someone had put it by a window. Less than a day later, the bottle hissed ominously and the solvent looked cloudy. Organolithiums react with air and moisture—ignoring the warning waste a few hundred bucks and put a couple of techs at risk. After that, we set up a chemical quarantine station right by the delivery area so new arrivals could get properly checked in before hitting the main shelves.
Following the manufacturer’s advice doesn’t just protect your investment. It protects co-workers and the environment. Keeping flammable solvents away from heat sources, acids away from bases, and light-sensitive reagents in amber bottles are simple steps that keep trouble at bay. Pharmacies, academic labs, and industrial sites alike rely on guides like the Sigma-Aldrich Storage Code and OSHA’s safety data recommendations so no one’s left guessing.
Smart storage starts with education. New lab members need training so they see labels as warnings, not suggestions. Investing in temperature monitoring and clear signage helps a lot—digital systems are more affordable now and alert you before a fridge fails. Good record-keeping also goes a long way. Marking open and expiry dates on containers, keeping MSDS sheets accessible, and rotating stock prevent surprises. Never ignoring a sign of spoilage—odd colors, funny smells, crystals forming—keeps everyone safer.
Proper compound storage isn’t just a checklist item. It’s critical for safe, reliable results and smooth lab operations. Investing a little time pays off with big benefits down the line.
3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid carries a big name and an interesting structure—a guanidinium group hooked up to a sulphonic acid, with a thioether bridge in between. Chemistry sometimes gives us a clue to a compound’s behavior just by looking at its functional groups. The sulphonic acid end jumps out right away. From my years in a lab, compounds with this group tend to love water. They can form strong hydrogen bonds. The guanidinium group does too, and it’s famous for its role in compounds like arginine, which dissolves into water easily. The thioether in the middle, sulfur bridging carbon atoms, doesn’t get in the way much since it’s not particularly hydrophobic—certainly not enough to make the overall molecule run from water.
Chemically, a compound’s solubility changes how it acts in experiments, in industry, and in the environment. If you’re designing a buffer for a tricky protein extraction or working on a purification protocol, you’ll want your reagents to dissolve quickly and evenly. Trying to get a cloudy solution to form always slowed me down, often forcing a change in approach. In this case, 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]propanesulphonic acid, which sits in the same category as other highly-water soluble sulfonic acids, brings easier handling and more predictable performance. Researchers can skip the long sonication steps, and concentrate on their core work.
Environmental implications come up too. Water-soluble chemicals move quickly through soil and waterways. They don’t just stick to sediments. That isn’t always good—it means runoff after rain can spread these chemicals far from where they’re used. With water solubility comes the responsibility for proper containment and disposal. My time working on wastewater analysis projects taught me that what dissolves can travel, sometimes to places you didn’t expect. Monitoring and regulatory frameworks rely on knowing a chemical’s behavior, not just its structure.
The borad consensus points to high solubility. Direct supplier data lists “readily soluble in water.” Structural analogues echo this—taurine, for example, dissolves in water at extremely high concentrations, and both guanidine and sulphonic acid groups drive this property hard. Looking at the dissociation constants, both groups stay ionized at physiological pH. Pure water encourages their presence as charged species, which further boosts their solubility. ChemSpider, PubChem, and most laboratory catalogs flag this compound as a water champion, not a reluctant guest.
Given how easily this acid slips into solution, users in both lab and industrial settings get great flexibility. Just scoop and stir. But this convenience means pay attention to concentrations for safe handling. Spills need fast cleanup, not just because of toxicity but to stop widespread distribution through plumbing or drains. I’ve seen accidental releases lead to localized issues, like foaming or shift in pH, when water-soluble reagents entered storm drains during a heavy rainstorm. Good protocols rely on secondary containment and regular auditing of storage areas.
Training often gets overlooked, but hands-on education about proper mixing, emergency procedures, and cleanup methods protects both workers and the local environment. Industry leaders and safety officers build these steps into their regular routines, highlighting water-soluble compound management. No shortcuts serve anyone well here.
Solubility shapes more than just lab workflow—it connects to regulatory policy, ground-level practice, and real consequences outside the lab. Careful understanding and thoughtful use make all the difference.
I remember my first assignments in the chemical storeroom back in college. We worked with a parade of compounds with long names, and one thing quickly stood out: you can’t slack on safety, no matter how familiar you get. 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]Propanesulphonic Acid looks like an alphabet soup, but precautions always chase structure, not just the name.
Even without a mountain of horror stories, it takes only one moment of neglect for a routine task to turn risky. This acid isn’t the most aggressive out there, but skin, lungs, and eyes treat it as trouble. Direct exposure can cause irritation and burns, a truth that’s hard to ignore once you’ve seen even a mild splash eat through gloves in minutes.
Goggles never earn much love. Most folks wear them because they have to, not because they want to. I learned quickly to grab the ones that seal against your face, not the ones that barely hook your ears. The sulfur group in this molecule seems like a magnet for accidental splashes, and a squirt in the eye isn’t worth the short-lived relief of fuss-free glasses. I’ve seen coworkers regret it, rushing to an eye wash, wishing they’d given up vanity for vision.
Nitrile gloves hold up better than vinyl with chemicals like this. I always go for double-layering if I expect an extended project with heavy contact or fine work that could lead to slips. Lab coats, buttoned up and fit right, kept many a shirt from the rag bin after unexpected spills. Sometimes people cheap out on these, but if you’ve ever watched acid eat a hole in your sleeve, you shelve those excuses quick.
Working under a fume hood saves headaches—literally and otherwise. Even if this compound doesn’t vaporize fast at room temp, powders still lift into the air when you open containers or weigh out doses. Breathing even a little can irritate the airways. My routine involves fume hoods for any weighing or transfer. It takes a few extra steps, but the payoff is clean lungs and a clear head by day’s end.
Knowing where to put a bottle can shape the stories you tell later. This acid does best in a dry, cool spot, away from bases, oxidizers, or any organics that might set up a runaway reaction. Once, a mislabeled shelf put oxidizers next to acids, and the clean-up drill lasted hours. Reading labels isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s common sense. Eye-level storage and sturdy secondary containment bins can slow disaster to a crawl and give you precious time if gravity wins.
Formal safety training feels repetitive, but the habits it builds show up under pressure. I asked questions when procedures seemed dated or unclear, and supervisors usually welcomed the challenge. If you ever feel uneasy about your steps around this compound, ask. There’s no room for shyness when a mistake could send someone to the ER. If your workplace updates its safety data sheets (SDS) every time a tweak comes out, take five minutes to read it—you’ll always find something that makes your next day safer.
Safety means more than following a checklist. It’s about respect—for the chemicals and for yourself. Every time I work with something like 3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]Propanesulphonic Acid, I think of the lessons learned through burned sleeves and long nights. Gear up, ask questions, and treat every step like it matters. Because it does.
![3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]Propanesulphonic Acid](/static/81c4c90b-3bfe-4770-bbec-fcbf5e0a3809/images/2d/3-aminoiminomethyl-thio-propanesulphonic-acid.png)
![3-[(Aminoiminomethyl)Thio]Propanesulphonic Acid](/static/81c4c90b-3bfe-4770-bbec-fcbf5e0a3809/images/3d/3-aminoiminomethyl-thio-propanesulphonic-acid.gif)
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 3-[(Diaminomethylidene)sulfanyl]propane-1-sulfonic acid |
| Other names |
Homotaurine Okarimine |
| Pronunciation | /θriːˈæmɪnoʊˌɪmɪnoʊˈmɛθɪlˌθaɪoʊˌproʊˈpeɪnˌsʌlˈfoʊnɪkˈæsɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 35213-48-0 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | ``` MSMLJZSIGZBIOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 132306 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:91460 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1058 |
| ChemSpider | 84246 |
| DrugBank | DB03814 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.034.409 |
| EC Number | 3.5.3.18 |
| Gmelin Reference | 110109 |
| KEGG | C11202 |
| MeSH | D006665 |
| PubChem CID | 102783 |
| RTECS number | TJ8377000 |
| UNII | 41KD3GT10C |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID6032083 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H10N2O3S2 |
| Molar mass | 183.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | white solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.36 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -3.0 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 1.85 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 1.86 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -49.51·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.608 |
| Viscosity | 1,200 to 1,800 mPa.s (20 °C, 20% aq. sol.) |
| Dipole moment | 6.24 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 357.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -556.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | C01EB15 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07; GHS05 |
| Pictograms | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P312, P332+P313, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-0-0 |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >2000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| REL (Recommended) | 500 mg/mL |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Homoarginine Cysteic acid S-2-Aminoethylisothiourea dihydrobromide Arginine Taurine |
