2-Methyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-one

Basic information

  • Product Name:2-Methyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-one
  • CasNo.:2682-20-4
  • MF:C4H5NOS
  • MW:

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Purity:99%
  • Boiling Point:
  • Packing:liquid
  • Throughput:
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Product Details

CasNo: 2682-20-4

MF: C4H5NOS

Appearance: liquid

Delivery Time: 15 days

Packing: 200kg/drum

Purity: 99%

1. Basic Information

  • English Name: 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; Methylisothiazolinone
  • Abbreviation: MIT
  • Chinese Name: 2 - 甲基 - 4 - 异噻唑啉 - 3 - 酮
  • CAS Number: 2682-20-4
  • Molecular Formula: C₄H₅NOS
  • Molecular Weight: 115.15 g/mol
  • Chemical Structure: Contains a five-membered isothiazolinone ring, with a methyl group at the 2-position and a ketone group at the 3-position. The sulfur-nitrogen double bond (S=N) in the molecule is the core functional group for its antimicrobial activity.
  • Common Forms: Commercially available products are mostly 10%–20% aqueous solutions (pure MIT solids are prone to polymerization at room temperature; aqueous solutions require a small amount of stabilizer, such as magnesium salts, to improve storage stability). A small number are high-purity solids (purity ≥98%) for special industrial scenarios.

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

Indicator

Typical Values (for 10% aqueous solution)

Description

Appearance

Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid, with a slight characteristic odor

High-purity products are free of turbidity and sediment; may turn slightly yellow after long-term storage (>6 months), which does not affect activity.

Density (20°C)

1.02–1.06 g/cm³

Stable density allows accurate metering and addition in formulations.

pH Value (25°C)

3.0–5.0 (weakly acidic)

A weakly acidic environment inhibits MIT hydrolysis; MIT decomposes easily at pH > 8.0. Avoid direct mixing with strong alkaline substances.

Solubility

Miscible with water in all proportions; soluble in polar organic solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propylene glycol); poorly soluble in non-polar solvents (e.g., petroleum ether, hexane)

Easily integrated into water-based formulations (e.g., shampoos, toners, water-based coatings) and compatible with most daily chemical/industrial systems.

Stability

Active ingredient loss ≤5% when stored at 0–40°C for 6 months; prone to degradation at >50°C or under UV irradiation

Store in a cool, dark place; avoid high-temperature processing (e.g., prolonged stirring at >80°C).

Boiling Point

100–102°C (10% aqueous solution); pure MIT decomposes at 245°C

The aqueous solution has no obvious volatility and can be safely used in open production processes.

3. Key Performance Characteristics

  1. High-Efficiency, Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity with Low Dosage
    MIT inhibits microbial growth rapidly by disrupting the integrity of microbial cell membranes and inhibiting protein synthesis, with two core advantages:

 

  • Broad Antimicrobial Spectrum: Effective against gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli), and fungi (e.g., Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is as low as 0.1–1.0 ppm—far lower than that of traditional preservatives (e.g., phenoxyethanol, with an MIC of 50–100 ppm).
  • Rapid Action: Inhibits microbial growth within 3–5 minutes of contact and achieves 99% bacterial kill rate within 10 minutes, making it suitable for products requiring high preservation efficiency (e.g., perishable skincare products containing natural extracts).

 

  1. Excellent Compatibility for Multi-Scenario Formulations

 

  • Strong Compatibility with Auxiliaries: Miscible with anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, SDS), non-ionic surfactants (e.g., polysorbate-80), cationic conditioners (e.g., guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride), and most active ingredients (e.g., vitamin C, hyaluronic acid) without precipitation, stratification, or activity conflicts.
  • No Impact on Product Sensory Properties: Does not alter the color, odor, or skin feel of formulations (e.g., the freshness of skincare products, the film-forming property of coatings), meeting the "invisible preservation" demand for daily chemical products.

 

  1. Compliant Safety and Low Environmental Risk

 

  • Low Toxicity: Acute oral LD₅₀ (rat) > 2000 mg/kg (classified as low toxicity); skin irritation test (OECD 404 standard) score ≤ 0.5 (10-point scale), much lower than highly irritating preservatives.
  • Biodegradability: Meets the EU OECD 301B standard, with a 28-day biodegradation rate ≥ 70%. It does not easily accumulate in water or soil after discharge, making it environmentally friendly.

4. Main Application Fields

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products (Core Scenario)

Product Type

Recommended Dosage (for 10% aqueous solution)

Core Function

Skincare Products (toners, lotions, creams)

0.02%–0.05% (equivalent to 20–50 ppm active MIT)

Inhibits microbial growth in formulations and extends product shelf life—especially effective for perishable systems containing plant extracts and oils.

Cleansing Products (shampoos, body washes)

0.03%–0.08% (equivalent to 30–80 ppm active MIT)

Resists external bacterial contamination during use and prevents product odor or stratification during storage.

Color Cosmetics (foundations, lipsticks)

0.01%–0.03% (equivalent to 10–30 ppm active MIT)

Achieves preservation with low addition levels, avoiding impacts on the color stability and spreadability of color cosmetics.

2. Industrial Water Treatment

  • Cooling Circulating Water: Added at a concentration of 5–15 ppm (active MIT) to control algae and bacterial growth in pipelines, prevent biofouling from clogging heat exchangers, and reduce corrosion risks.
  • Papermaking White Water: Added at 10–20 ppm to inhibit mold growth in pulp, avoiding defects such as mildew spots and embrittlement on paper.

3. Coatings and Adhesives

  • Water-Based Coatings: Added at 0.05%–0.1% (10% aqueous solution) to prevent coating discoloration and peeling caused by mold contamination during storage and construction.
  • Wood Adhesives: Added at 0.03%–0.06% to inhibit bacterial reproduction in adhesives before curing, avoiding odor generation or reduced bonding strength.

5. Safety and Storage Specifications

1. Safety Warnings (GHS Classification)

  • Hazard Statements:
    • H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction (note required for long-term or high-concentration contact);
    • H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (avoid discharge into natural water bodies);
    • H315: Causes skin irritation; H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
  • Preventive Measures:
    • Wear nitrile gloves and goggles during operation to avoid direct skin contact or inhalation of droplets;
    • If accidentally splashed into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary;
    • Store separately from food, feed, and areas accessible to children.

2. Regulatory Compliance

  • Complies with the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009: The maximum allowable concentration of MIT in cosmetics is 0.01% (100 ppm, active ingredient), and it is prohibited in leave-on products for children under 3 years old (e.g., baby creams);
  • Meets the US FDA 21 CFR §700.13, China’s Cosmetic Safety Technical Specification (2024 Edition), and EU REACH Regulation, enabling compliant use worldwide.

3. Packaging and Storage

  • Packaging Specifications:
    • Small batches: 1L/5L HDPE plastic bottles (for laboratory or small-scale factory trials);
    • Medium batches: 25L/50L HDPE plastic drums (for production in daily chemical factories);
    • Large batches: 1000L IBC totes (for bulk procurement in industrial water treatment and coating factories).
  • Storage Conditions:
    • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, and dark place, with temperature controlled at 5–30°C. Avoid high temperatures or freezing (to prevent solution stratification);
    • The shelf life of unopened products is 12 months. Once opened, use within 3 months and seal the drum mouth tightly after each use.