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Mercaptoacetic Acid is an organosulfur compound widely used as a reducing agent, chemical intermediate, and functional additive in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, polymer, and industrial applications.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is characterized by the presence of both thiol and carboxylic acid functional groups, giving it high reactivity and versatility in chemical synthesis.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is valued for its strong reducing power, metal-chelating ability, and effectiveness in bond cleavage and modification reactions.
CAS Number: 68-11-1
EC Number: 200-677-4
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₂S
Molecular Weight: 92.12 g/mol
Synonyms: Mercaptoacetic Acid, Thioglycolic Acid, Thiohydroxyacetic Acid, TGA, Mercaptoacetic Acid, Thioglycolic Acid, TGA, HSCH₂COOH, 2-Mercaptoacetic Acid, Thioacetic Acid (common misnomer reference), Thiohydroxyacetic Acid, Hydroxythioacetic Acid, Thiolacetic Acid (descriptive), Glycolic Thiol Acid, Monothioglycolic Acid, Thioglycolate Acid, Mercapto Acetic Acid, Thiol-Substituted Acetic Acid, Organosulfur Acid Mercaptoacetic, Sulfur-Containing Carboxylic Acid Mercaptoacetic, Mercapto-Containing Carboxylic Acid, SH-Functional Acetic Acid, Thiol Functional Acid, Thiol Compound Mercaptoacetic, Sulfhydryl Acetic Acid, Hair Perming Agent Acid (functional reference), Reducing Agent Mercaptoacetic Acid, Keratin Reduction Acid, Cosmetic Reducing Acid, Cosmetic Perming Chemical, Cosmetic Relaxing Acid, Mercaptoacetic Acid Technical Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Industrial Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid High Purity, Mercaptoacetic Acid Reagent Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Analytical Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Laboratory Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Pure, Mercaptoacetic Acid Free Acid, Mercaptoacetic Acid Liquid, Mercaptoacetic Acid Clear Liquid, Thioglycolic Acid Free Acid, Thioglycolic Acid Liquid, Thioglycolic Acid Technical Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Industrial Grade, Thioglycolic Acid High Purity, Thioglycolic Acid Reagent Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Haircare Additive, Thioglycolic Acid Hair Straightening Agent, Thioglycolic Acid Hair Perming Agent, Thioglycolic Acid Depilatory Ingredient, Thioglycolic Acid Depilatory Agent, Depilatory Chemical Mercaptoacetic Acid, Keratin-Breaking Agent Acid, Sulfhydryl Reducing Acid, Metal Chelating Thiol Acid, Metal Complexing Thiol Acid, Chelating Agent Mercaptoacetic Acid, Corrosion Inhibitor Thiol Acid, Polymer Intermediate Mercaptoacetic Acid, Organic Synthesis Intermediate Mercaptoacetic Acid, Fine Chemical Mercaptoacetic Acid, Specialty Chemical Mercaptoacetic Acid
APPLICATIONS
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in cosmetic formulations.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in hair waving, straightening, and depilatory products.
Mercaptoacetic Acid breaks disulfide bonds in keratin fibers.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Mercaptoacetic Acid functions as a reducing agent and synthesis intermediate.
Mercaptoacetic Acid supports production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in polymer and resin chemistry.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in thiol-based polymerization and chain transfer reactions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid modifies molecular weight and polymer architecture.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is employed in metal treatment processes.
Mercaptoacetic Acid acts as a chelating and complexing agent for metal ions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid supports surface treatment and metal cleaning applications.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in textile and leather processing.
Mercaptoacetic Acid assists in fiber modification and finishing treatments.
Mercaptoacetic Acid improves processing efficiency and material performance.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is utilized in chemical research and laboratories.
Mercaptoacetic Acid serves as a reagent in organic synthesis.
Mercaptoacetic Acid enables controlled reduction reactions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used as a reducing agent in chemical synthesis.
Mercaptoacetic Acid participates in thiol-based reduction reactions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in polymer chemistry.
Mercaptoacetic Acid functions as a chain transfer agent in polymerization.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in cosmetic formulations.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in hair perming and hair straightening products.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in depilatory products.
Mercaptoacetic Acid breaks disulfide bonds in keratin structures.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in leather processing.
Mercaptoacetic Acid assists in hair removal during hide treatment.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in metal surface treatment.
Mercaptoacetic Acid acts as a chelating and cleaning agent for metals.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in corrosion inhibition systems.
Mercaptoacetic Acid protects metal surfaces from oxidative degradation.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in oil and gas applications.
Mercaptoacetic Acid scavenges metal ions in process fluids.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Mercaptoacetic Acid serves as an intermediate in drug synthesis.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in agrochemical formulations.
Mercaptoacetic Acid acts as a precursor in pesticide synthesis.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in photographic chemicals.
Mercaptoacetic Acid functions as a stabilizer and reducing agent.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in textile processing.
Mercaptoacetic Acid supports fiber modification reactions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in analytical chemistry.
Mercaptoacetic Acid serves as a reagent for metal ion analysis.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in electroplating baths.
Mercaptoacetic Acid improves metal deposition quality.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in specialty chemical manufacturing.
Mercaptoacetic Acid supports synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in laboratory research.
Mercaptoacetic Acid enables thiol-disulfide exchange studies.
DESCRIPTION
Mercaptoacetic Acid appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid.
Mercaptoacetic Acid has a strong, characteristic sulfur-like odor.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is miscible with water and many polar solvents.
Mercaptoacetic Acid contains both thiol (–SH) and carboxyl (–COOH) groups.
Mercaptoacetic Acid exhibits strong reducing and nucleophilic properties.
Mercaptoacetic Acid readily participates in redox and substitution reactions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is chemically reactive toward oxidizing agents.
Mercaptoacetic Acid can form disulfides upon oxidation.
Mercaptoacetic Acid requires controlled handling due to odor and reactivity.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is stable under recommended storage conditions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid should be protected from air and light to limit oxidation.
Mercaptoacetic Acid must be handled with appropriate safety precautions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is an organosulfur compound containing both thiol and carboxyl groups.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is also known as thioglycolic acid.
Mercaptoacetic Acid appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid.
Mercaptoacetic Acid has a strong sulfur-like odor.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is miscible with water and many organic solvents.
Mercaptoacetic Acid exhibits strong reducing properties.
Mercaptoacetic Acid readily breaks disulfide bonds.
Mercaptoacetic Acid shows chelating ability toward metal ions.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is chemically reactive due to its thiol functionality.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is widely used in cosmetic and industrial applications.
Mercaptoacetic Acid can cause irritation upon skin contact.
Mercaptoacetic Acid requires careful handling and proper protective equipment.
Mercaptoacetic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers.
Mercaptoacetic Acid should be kept away from oxidizing agents.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is valued for its strong reducing power and chemical versatility.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₂H₄O₂S
Molecular Weight: 92.12 g/mol
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong sulfurous odor
Density: ~1.32 g/cm³ at 20°C
Melting Point: ~−16°C
Boiling Point: ~96–100°C (decomposes)
Solubility in Water: Completely miscible
Solubility in Alcohols: Miscible
pKa (Carboxyl Group): ~3.6
pKa (Thiol Group): ~9.8–10.0
Viscosity: Low
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Flash Point: ~72–75°C (closed cup)
Thermal Stability: Limited; decomposes on prolonged heating
Chemical Reactivity: Strong reducing agent; oxidizes readily
Corrosivity: Corrosive to metals and tissues
Storage Stability: Good when protected from air and light
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing.
Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation or burns develop.
Eye Contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically; monitor for respiratory and systemic effects.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate PPE.
Work in well-ventilated areas or under fume extraction.
Avoidance:
Avoid contact with oxidizing agents.
Avoid prolonged exposure to air and light.
Spill Procedures:
Contain spill and absorb with inert material.
Neutralize carefully and dispose according to local regulations.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers.
Keep in a cool, well-ventilated area away from light.
Protect from oxidizing agents and ignition sources.
