Thioacetic acid (also known as ethanethioic acid, thioacetate) is a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with a strong, pungent and unpleasant mercaptan odor. As the thio analog of acetic acid, it contains a sulfhydryl group (-SH) in its structure and possesses acidity, reducibility and corrosivity. It is volatile in air, flammable in case of open flame, and unstable to oxidizing agents, strong alkalis and various metals.

1. Organic synthesis:As a thiolating agent, it introduces -SH groups into molecules, and is used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, pesticides and sulfur-containing chemicals.