It is a bifunctional molecule, containing both carboxylic acid and thiol groups.

It is derived from the addition of hydrogen sulfide to acrylic acid.

It is competitive inhibitor of glutamate decarboxylase, and therefore acts as a convulsant.

It has higher potency and faster onset of action compared to allylglycine.

[2] It is esterified with polyols to form thiol-based polymer cross-linking agents such as pentaerythritol-based pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate).