Thioglycolic Acid
(TGA; Mercaptoacetic acid; 2-Mercaptoacetic acid)
Chemical Name: Thioglycolic Acid
CAS No.: 68-11-1
MF: C2H4O2S
MW: 92.12
Molecular structure:
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Thioglycolic acid is a sulfur-containing organic compound. It belongs to the mercaptan and carboxylic acid families. Thioglycolic acid is widely used in cosmetics, chemical synthesis, metal treatment, and polymer manufacturing.
Item | Specification | ||
Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid | ||
Content | ≥80.0% | ≥90.0% | ≥99.0% |
Chromaticity (Pt-Co) | ≤30 | ≤30 | ≤30 |
Iron (Fe) | ≤0.2ppm | ≤0.2ppm | ≤0.2ppm |
Cosmetics & personal care: Key raw material for permanent wave lotions and depilatory agents; can be further processed into ammonium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate.
Industrial cleaning & rust removal: Used for cleaning and derusting equipment and railway tracks in petrochemical and railway industries.
Polymer processing: Raw material for isooctyl thioglycolate (a non-toxic heat stabilizer for chlorinated polyolefins) and methyl thioglycolate (a key intermediate in pharmaceutical and veterinary drug production).
Chemical synthesis: Acts as a chain transfer agent in polycarboxylate superplasticizer production and as a catalyst for epoxy resin / bisphenol A manufacturing; its reagent grade is also a sensitive test agent for metal ions such as iron, molybdenum, silver, and tin.
250kgs/drum; 1250kgs/IBC drum
Being kept in dry, clean warehouse with well ventilation.
Avoid exposing to light and heating.
Protecting the product from leakage, rain and insolation during transportation.
Q1: What is Thioglycolic Acid (CAS 68-11-1) and how is it characterized?
A: Thioglycolic Acid (TGA), also known as mercaptoacetic acid, is a clear, colorless liquid containing both a thiol (-SH) and a carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional group. It is highly water-soluble and possesses a strong, distinctive sulfurous odor.
Q2: What are the main uses of Thioglycolic Acid in cosmetics versus industrial sectors?
A: In the cosmetic industry, TGA salts (such as ammonium thioglycolate) are widely utilized in hair salons for breaking disulfide bonds in hair keratin, making it the active core of cold waves, perms, and depilatory creams. In heavy industry, TGA acts as an essential catalyst for bisphenol A production, a key raw material for organotin stabilizer manufacturing, and a highly effective depressant in mining flotation and oilfield chemical formulations.
Q3: Where can I find reliable manufacturers and B2B suppliers of Thioglycolic Acid?
A: You ca contact us (Sinocure). We offer factory-direct wholesale pricing, guaranteed high-purity supply chains, and consistent export capacities to major global markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas, backed by third-party inspection compliance.
Q4: What are the safety concerns and regulatory guidelines regarding Thioglycolic Acid handling?
A: Thioglycolic Acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage upon direct contact. It is strictly regulated as a hazardous chemical for international transport. At Sinocure, we provide comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) compliant with GHS standards. We ensure all maritime shipments are securely packed in specialized PE drums or IBC tanks with proper hazardous material labels to ensure safe global transport and customs clearance.
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