A thiomalic acid or mercaptosuccinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid containing a thiol functional group. Mercaptosuccinic acid is used in the preparation of mercaptosuccinic acid diethyl ester by reaction with ethanol. It is also used as a brightening agent in metal plating.
Thiomalic acid is transformed into isocysteine using hexafluoroacetone as protecting and activating agent. The urethanes 5, 6, 7 obtained represent N-protected, carboxylic group activated derivatives of isocysteine and are perfectly suited for further derivatizations.
It is also used as a brightening agent in metal plating. Further, it serves as an intermediate for the synthesis of corrosion inhibitors, soil fumigants, active pharmaceutical ingredients and electroplating agents.
