Mercaptamine, also known as cysteamine, is a low-molecular-weight thiol compound containing both an amino group and a sulfhydryl group. It is an important pharmaceutical and chemical intermediate with applications in ophthalmology, metabolic medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Mercaptamine is used in pharmaceutical preparations, particularly cysteamine-based formulations, and has an established role in the management of cystinosis. It acts as a cystine-depleting agent by helping reduce intracellular cystine accumulation.
Mercaptamine has the molecular formula C2H7NS and a molecular weight of approximately 77.15 g/mol. Its CAS Number is 60-23-1.
It is a highly reactive thiol-containing compound and is commonly handled in suitable stabilized or salt forms for pharmaceutical applications. Cysteamine hydrochloride and cysteamine bitartrate are important pharmaceutical forms of cysteamine.
Mercaptamine acts as a cystine-depleting agent. In lysosomal cystinosis, it enters lysosomes and reacts with cystine to form cysteine and a cysteine-cysteamine mixed disulfide.
The resulting products can leave the lysosome through alternative transport pathways, thereby helping reduce accumulated intracellular cystine.
Mercaptamine is primarily associated with the treatment of cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of cystine within cells.
Pharmaceutical applications include:
The exact formulation, route and approved indication depend on the pharmaceutical product and regulatory jurisdiction.
Mercaptamine API can be evaluated using validated analytical procedures for identity, assay, related substances, water content, residual solvents, elemental impurities and other applicable quality attributes.
Because mercaptamine contains a reactive thiol group, appropriate validated analytical controls are important for monitoring oxidation-related impurities and degradation products.
HPLC, titrimetric and spectroscopic methods may be used depending on the applicable specification and formulation.
Final acceptance criteria should follow the manufacturer's approved drug-substance specification and current Certificate of Analysis.
Mercaptamine should be stored in a tightly closed, suitable pharmaceutical-grade container under controlled conditions and protected from excessive heat, moisture and oxidation.
Because thiol compounds can be susceptible to oxidation, appropriate packaging and handling conditions should be maintained according to the manufacturer's approved specification.
Mercaptamine API may be supplied for qualified pharmaceutical manufacturing, formulation development, analytical and research applications, subject to applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
Mercaptamine API is available for qualified pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications. Customers can request product specifications, Certificate of Analysis, analytical documentation, packaging information and commercial details according to their requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 2.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 2.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 2.0% |
| Melting Point | Approximately 18–20 °C |