CAS: 7184-99-8

4-[(2-Hydroxyethyl)thio]benzoic acid (4HTBA) is a reactive monomer. It can be used as a coating for polymeric materials and is also used in the production of sulfone resins. 4HTBA reacts with hydroxyethyl groups to form ethylthiosulfonate, which is unreactive. This equilibrium can be shifted by increasing the concentration of water or changing pH. 4HTBA has been shown to react with aniline to form a fluorescent material that emits light when irradiated with UV light. The emission wavelength depends on the type of substituent on the benzene ring. 4HTBA has potential use as a precursor for films and coatings, and may be useful for advances in these fields due to its reactive nature and low toxicity.