Thiomalic acid or mercaptosuccinic acid is the organosulfur compound with the formula . It is a dicarboxylic acid containing a thiol functional group. As suggested by its name, it contains a thiol group (SH) in place of the hydroxy group (OH) in malic acid. Salts and esters are known as thiomalates. It is usually prepared by the addition of sulfur reagents (thiourea, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) to maleic anhydride. An enantioselective synthesis begins with aspartic acid via 2-bromosuccinic acid.
Uses Thiomalic acid is a precursor to several medicinals in addition to the pesticide malathion.
The sodium and gold salt of thiomalic acid, sodium aurothiomalate, is used as a pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Related compounds Dimercaptosuccinic acid
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