Beta-Mercaptoethanol is a colorless, viscous liquid commonly used in laboratories as a reducing agent. It has a strong, unpleasant odor and is often employed in biochemical applications to break disulfide bonds in proteins, which helps to denature them for analysis. This compound is particularly useful in the preparation of samples for techniques like gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. However, it is toxic and should be handled with care, using appropriate safety equipment to avoid inhalation or skin contact.