The widely used chemical compound 2-Mercaptoethanol has the formula HOCH2CH2SH.  It is a hybrid of ethylene glycol and is used to reduce disulfide bonds.  By scavenging hydroxyl radicals (amongst others), it can act as a biological antioxidant.  The hydroxyl group confers solubility in water and lowers the volatility.
 

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.