Thioglycolic Acid | CAS 68-11-1 | High-Purity Chemical Raw Material & Reducing Agent
Chemical Name: Thioglycolic Acid (TGA)
CAS Number: 68-11-1
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₂S
Molecular Weight: 92.12 g/mol
Structural Formula: HS–CH₂–COOH
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, transparent liquid with a pungent odor
Content: ≥99% (Industrial and cosmetic grades available)
Solubility: Completely miscible with common solvents such as water, alcohols, and ketones
Storage: Store in a cool, airtight container away from light and high temperatures.
Product Features
✅ Excellent reducing properties: Contains bifunctional sulfhydryl (-SH) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups
✅ Good complexing properties: Strong complexing ability for heavy metals
✅ High purity and stability: Available with ≥99% purity, suitable for a variety of industrial and cosmetic applications
✅ Multi-grade supply: Available in industrial and cosmetic grades to meet diverse customer needs
Main Application Areas
💇 1. Hairdressing and Cosmetic Raw Materials
Mercaptoacetic acid is commonly used in products such as perms, depilatory creams, and curling gels. Its reduction of disulfide bonds in keratin creates curls or smoothness in hair.
🧪 2. Chemical Reducing Agents and Intermediates
In organic synthesis, it serves as a highly effective reducing agent for reducing heavy metal ions or participating in thiol reactions. It is also an intermediate in various pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
🔗 3. Heavy Metal Complexing Agent
It can form stable complexes with metals such as Fe, Cu, and Ni and is widely used in environmental protection applications such as electroplating solutions, metal cleaning agents, and wastewater treatment.
🧼 4. Polymerization Aids and Stabilizers
It acts as a co-stabilizer in PVC heat stabilization systems, enhancing the suppression of free radicals during thermal processing.
Thioglycolic acid technical parameters
| Project | Technical indicators |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Active ingredient content | ≥99.0% |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 1.5–3.0 |
| Specific gravity (25℃) | 1.32–1.34 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index (n20D) | 1.525–1.535 |
| Sulfur content | ≥34% (theoretical value) |
Packaging and Storage
Plastic Drums: 25kg / 200kg
IBC Drums: 1000kg
Small Sample Packages: 500g / 1kg / 5kg
🚚 Shipping Method: This is a corrosive chemical and must be shipped as hazardous material.
☢ Storage Instructions: Keep sealed and protected from light. Avoid contact with oxidants and strong bases.
📦 Export Documentation: COA, MSDS, REACH, TDS available
FAQ
Q1: What is the stability of thioglycolic acid?
A1: It is stable when sealed and protected from light, but it is susceptible to oxidation and should be used promptly or stored with an antioxidant.
Q2: Can it be used in cosmetic formulations?
A2: We can provide TGA that meets cosmetic-grade standards, but we recommend verifying compliance with local regulations (e.g., EU, FDA) before use.
Q3: Do you support OEM and custom labeling?
A3: We support OEM/ODM services, with customized packaging and labeling, suitable for export or brand owners.
