High-Purity 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one MIT Broad-Spectrum Biocide Water-Soluble Industrial and Cosmetic Applications
2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT / MI), CAS 2682-20-4, is a water-soluble, broad-spectrum biocide belonging to the isothiazolinone family. It is highly effective against bacteria, fungi, and yeast at low concentrations. MIT is widely used as a preservative in industrial, cosmetic, and household products due to its excellent stability and compatibility with various formulations.
- INCI name: Methylisothiazolinone
- Molecular formula: C₄H₅NOS
- Molecular weight: 115.15 g/mol
- Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid (aqueous solution) or white crystalline solid
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 2682-20-4 |
| Purity (active content) | ≥ 50.0% (typical 50% aqueous solution); ≥ 99.0% (solid form) |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid or white powder |
| Density (20 °C) | 1.02 - 1.05 g/mL (solution) |
| pH (as supplied) | 2.0 - 5.0 |
| Solubility | Fully miscible in water, alcohols, glycols |
| Stability | Stable at pH 2-9; avoid strong oxidizing agents |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Chlorinated impurities | ≤ 50 ppm |
- Broad-spectrum antibacterial- Controls bacteria, mold, yeast, and fungi.
- Fast-acting - Rapid cell membrane disruption.
- Synergistic - Often combined with CMIT, BIT, or Bronopol for enhanced preservation.
- Stable in aqueous systems - Maintains efficacy over a wide temperature and pH range.
- Low use level - Effective at 50-500 ppm (depending on application).
| Industry | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Rinse-off products (shampoos, body washes, wipes) at ≤ 100 ppm |
| hurtts & Coatings | In-can preservation of water-based hurtts, adhesives, and sealants |
| Industrial Water Treatment | Cooling towers, metalworking fluids, paper pulps |
| Household Products | Liquid detergents, softeners, surface cleaners |
| Pulp & Paper | Slimicide in papermaking process water |
| Oil & Gas | Downhole and fracturing fluid preservation |
Our 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is synthesized via a controlled N-methylation and cyclization process:
- Starting materials - dimethyl maleate or similar precursors.
- Thionation - Introduction of sulfur using thionyl chloride or equivalent.
- Cyclization - Formation of the isothiazolinone ring under pH-controlled conditions.
- Purification - Multi-stage distillation, crystallization, and activated carbon treatment.
- Stabilization - Aqueous or glycol-based formulation with magnesium or copper stabilizers to prevent polymerization.
All batches are tested by HPLC and GC for purity and byproduct control.
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