2-Mercapto-3-butanol is a specialty chemical primarily used as a flavoring and fragrance ingredient. Its sulfur-containing thiol structure provides unique savory, meaty, and fruity aroma profiles, making it valuable in the food and beverage industry for enhancing meat-like flavors in products such as soups, sauces, and snacks. In perfumery, it contributes to complex scent compositions. As an intermediate in organic synthesis, it supports the development of niche additives, though it is not a commodity chemical.