ribonucleases very stable enzymes, so 2-mercaptoethanol is used to reduce these disulfide bonds and irreversibly denature the proteins. This prevents them from digesting the RNA during its extraction procedure. Deprotecting carbamates Some carbamate protecting groups such as carboxybenzyl (Cbz) or allyloxycarbonyl (alloc) can be deprotected using 2-mercaptoethanol in the presence of potassium phosphate in dimethylacetamide. Safety 2-Mercaptoethanol is considered toxic, causing irritation to the nasal passageways and respiratory tract upon inhalation, irritation to the skin, vomiting and stomach pain through ingestion, and potentially death if severe exposure occurs. See also Dithiothreitol (DTT) TCEP References Thiols Primary alcohols Reducing agents Foul-smelling chemicals