Dual-Thiol Functional Compound: 2,3-Dimercaptobutane (CAS_ 4532-64-3) International Market Report

2,3-Dimercaptobutane (CAS: 4532-64-3) is a crucial organosulfur compound. As a key intermediate, it is widely used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and materials science sectors. The dithiol groups (-SH) in its molecular structure endow it with unique chemical activity, enabling it to be used in synthesizing heavy metal antidotes, rubber vulcanization accelerators, and polymer modifiers—serving as a vital link between basic chemical industry and high-end manufacturing. The global market demand for this compound is significantly influenced by the industrial layouts of pharmaceutical enterprises such as Merck and Pfizer, chemical giants including DuPont and Dow, and fine chemical suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich and TCI Chemicals. This report systematically analyzes the international market dynamics of 2,3-dimercaptobutane, focusing on its application scenarios, core participants, and development trends.

Multi-Domain Applications (Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, and Materials Science)

Leveraging the reactive properties of its dithiol groups, 2,3-dimercaptobutane demonstrates irreplaceable value across multiple fields. In the pharmaceutical industry, enterprises like Merck and Pfizer use it as a core raw material to synthesize antidotes for heavy metal (lead, mercury) poisoning, which are applied in treating heavy metal intoxication. Additionally, it can act as an active intermediate for antibacterial and antiviral drugs, providing support for the R&D of medications for infectious diseases. In the chemical industry, DuPont, Dow, and other enterprises employ it as a rubber vulcanization accelerator, which significantly enhances the elasticity, wear resistance, and aging resistance of rubber products—widely suitable for industrial products such as automobile tires and seals.

Furthermore, it is used in metal surface treatment: by chelating with metal ions to form a protective film, it effectively reduces the corrosion rate of equipment. In the field of materials science, 2,3-dimercaptobutane can modify polymer materials (e.g., epoxy resins, polyurethanes), improving the adhesion and moisture-heat resistance of materials and facilitating the upgrading of high-end coatings, adhesives, and other products. With the escalating demand for high-performance chemicals in downstream industries, the market space for high-purity 2,3-dimercaptobutane will continue to expand.

Major Chemical Suppliers

The global supply market of 2,3-dimercaptobutane is dominated by leading international fine chemical enterprises, with Sigma-Aldrich, TCI Chemicals, and Alfa Aesar being the core suppliers in this field. Relying on mature synthesis processes (e.g., catalytic hydrogenation, thiolation reaction), strict quality control systems (compliant with GMP and ISO 9001 standards), and global distribution networks, these enterprises provide stable supply for pharmaceutical R&D institutions, chemical manufacturers, and material laboratories.

Among them, Sigma-Aldrich’s pharmaceutical-grade 2,3-dimercaptobutane has a purity of over 99.5%, meeting the strict requirements for intermediates in the pharmaceutical industry; TCI Chemicals specializes in customized production, offering products with different purities (95%-99.5%) and solvent systems according to customer needs; Alfa Aesar, with its efficient supply chain responsiveness, can quickly deliver small-batch R&D-grade and large-batch industrial-grade products, adapting to diverse application scenarios.

Regional Market Dynamics

The global market of 2,3-dimercaptobutane exhibits the characteristics of “concentrated demand and differentiated supply,” with North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region as the core areas. North America (the United States, Canada) is the main driver of high-end demand: the concentrated layout of pharmaceutical enterprises (Merck, Pfizer) and chemical giants (DuPont) promotes stable demand for pharmaceutical-grade and industrial-grade 2,3-dimercaptobutane, while local strict product quality standards (e.g., FDA pharmaceutical-grade certification) further standardize market supply. Europe (Germany, France) focuses on high-value-added applications: the demand for high-performance rubber in the automotive industry drives the consumption of industrial-grade products, and environmental regulations simultaneously push suppliers to optimize production processes.

The Asia-Pacific region (China, Japan, South Korea) is rising rapidly: relying on a complete chemical industry chain and low production costs, China has gradually become a major production base for 2,3-dimercaptobutane, not only meeting the needs of the local electronics and automotive industries but also exporting globally; Japan and South Korea have prominent demand in high-end material modification, driving the import of high-purity products. In the future, with the expansion of the pharmaceutical and new energy vehicle industries in the Asia-Pacific region, this region will become the core engine of global market growth.

Regulatory and Environmental Considerations

The entire life cycle of 2,3-dimercaptobutane (CAS: 4532-64-3) must comply with strict regulatory requirements in many parts of the world. The European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and the United States’ Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) have clearly stipulated the production processes, emission limits, and transportation safety of this compound—suppliers must complete substance registration and risk assessment to enter local markets. Pharmaceutical-grade products also need to comply with GMP certification standards of the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency).

In the field of environmental protection, the global “dual carbon goals” are driving industrial upgrading: hydrogen sulfide waste gas and sulfur-containing wastewater potentially generated in traditional production processes must be treated by professional systems (e.g., desulfurization towers, biochemical treatment systems) before discharge. Some enterprises have begun to explore low-carbon processes such as biocatalytic synthesis and green solvent substitution; although this may increase R&D costs in the short term, it will enhance environmental compliance and market competitiveness in the long run. Additionally, the risk of leakage during product storage and transportation must be prevented, further promoting standardized management in the industry.

Future Outlook

The market prospect of 2,3-dimercaptobutane is closely tied to the development of the pharmaceutical, automotive, and new materials industries. On one hand, the rising global demand for heavy metal pollution control (e.g., industrial wastewater treatment, occupational health protection) drives the output growth of heavy metal antidotes, directly boosting the demand for pharmaceutical-grade 2,3-dimercaptobutane. On the other hand, the expansion of the new energy vehicle industry drives the demand for high-performance rubber (e.g., seals, shock absorption components); coupled with the upgraded demand for polymer modification, this creates incremental space for industrial-grade products. If suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich and TCI Chemicals can continuously optimize processes and ensure supply stability, their market positions will be further consolidated.

However, market development also faces challenges: price fluctuations of upstream thiol raw materials may affect cost control, strict environmental regulations may raise industry entry barriers, and logistics risks under globalized supply chains (e.g., geopolitical conflicts, transportation delays) also need to be guarded against. Enterprises with technological R&D capabilities, cost control capabilities, and compliance management capabilities will gain advantages in future competition.

Conclusion

As a key intermediate in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and materials science sectors, 2,3-dimercaptobutane (CAS: 4532-64-3) holds important strategic value in the global high-end manufacturing industry chain. Its diversified application scenarios and the participation of international leading enterprises have laid a solid foundation for stable market development. Despite challenges such as regulatory compliance and cost fluctuations, the demand expansion in downstream industries will drive steady market growth. In the future, with the popularization of green processes and the rise of the Asia-Pacific market, the global supply chain of 2,3-dimercaptobutane will become more sophisticated, and enterprises with technological advantages and sustainable development capabilities will become the core drivers of industrial development.

XinChem

XinChem is a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals, dedicated to providing innovative solutions for the pharmaceutical, chemical, and energy industries. With professional capabilities in organic synthesis and compound modification, we can supply high-quality 2,3-dimercaptobutane (CAS: 4532-64-3), and our product characteristics meet the strictest international standards.

1. Technological Advantages

Modern Production Processes

We adopt innovative synthesis methods such as catalytic reaction and biosynthesis to achieve:

• Reduced energy consumption and pollutant emissions
• Reacted nearly completely with no by-products generated

Ecological Sustainability

Our production process strictly complies with REACH and RoHS standards, and is equipped with a professional wastewater treatment system to minimize environmental impact.

Patent Protection

We hold patents for independently developed synthesis and purification technologies, ensuring competitive advantages in the global market.

2. Product Advantages

High Purity

The product purity reaches ≥99% (tested by HPLC), which can meet the strict requirements of high-end fields such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Diverse Forms

We provide various physical forms including crystals, powders, and organic solvent solutions to adapt to the personalized production needs of customers.

Stable Supply

With an annual production capacity of 100 tons, we realize fast and reliable global delivery through multiple transportation methods such as containers, iron drums, and reagent bottles.

3. Application Fields

2,3-Dimercaptobutane is widely used in:

• Pharmaceutical industry: Synthesis of heavy metal antidotes and active intermediates for antibacterial/antiviral drugs
• Chemical industry: Preparation of rubber vulcanization accelerators and metal surface anti-corrosion treatment agents
• Materials science field: Modification of polymer materials to improve the adhesion and aging resistance of coatings and adhesives

4. Service Support

Technical Support

A professional technical team provides product application consulting and can customize solutions according to specific customer needs.

Qualification Certification

We provide Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to ensure product compliance.

5. Reasons to Choose XinChem

• Professionalism: 15 years of experience in the chemical industry, with mature technology and service systems
• Flexibility: Quick response to customer needs, providing customized products and services
• Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing high quality and competitive prices to create value for customers
• Official Website: www.xinchem.com
• Email: sales1@xinchem.com
• WhatsApp: +86 18049800532

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