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Mercaptoacetic Acid is a sulfur-containing organic acid used as a reducing agent, chemical intermediate, metal complexing agent, and functional additive, and Mercaptoacetic Acid is valued for its thiol reactivity, reducing power, and ability to modify polymers, metals, and keratin-containing materials.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is commonly used in hair waving and depilatory products, PVC stabilizer production, metal treatment, analytical chemistry, polymer modification, and synthesis of thioglycolate derivatives, and Mercaptoacetic Acid performance depends on purity, concentration, pH, neutralization, odor control, and compatibility with the complete formulation.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is typically supplied as a clear colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong unpleasant sulfur odor, and Mercaptoacetic Acid requires strict handling controls because it is corrosive, toxic by exposure, and reactive with oxidizing agents and metals.
CAS Number: 68-11-1
EC Number: 200-677-4
Molecular Formula: C2H4O2S
Molecular Weight: 92.12 g/mol
Synonyms: Mercaptoacetic Acid, Thioglycolic Acid, TGA, 2-Mercaptoacetic Acid, Sulfanylacetic Acid, Mercaptoethanoic Acid, Thiovanic Acid, Acetyl Mercaptan Acid, Thioglycolic Acid Solution, Mercaptoacetic Acid Technical Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Intermediate, Mercaptoacetic Acid, Thioglycolic Acid, TGA, 2-Mercaptoacetic Acid, 2-Sulfanylacetic Acid, Sulfanylacetic Acid, Mercaptoethanoic Acid, Thiovanic Acid, Acetyl Mercaptan Acid, Thioacetic Acid Hydroxy Analog, Thioglycolate Acid, Mercaptoacetate Acid, Mercaptoacetic Acid Solution, Thioglycolic Acid Solution, Mercaptoacetic Acid 80%, Thioglycolic Acid 80%, Mercaptoacetic Acid 99%, Thioglycolic Acid 99%, Mercaptoacetic Acid Technical Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Technical Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Industrial Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Industrial Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Reagent Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Reagent Grade, Mercaptoacetic Acid Analytical Grade, Thioglycolic Acid Analytical Grade, Hair Perm Thioglycolic Acid, Depilatory Thioglycolic Acid, Reducing Agent Thioglycolic Acid, Metal Complexing Thioglycolic Acid, Stabilizer Thioglycolic Acid, PVC Stabilizer Thioglycolic Acid, Thioglycolic Acid Reducing Agent, Thioglycolic Acid Chelating Agent, Thioglycolic Acid Stabilizer, Mercaptoacetic Acid Reducing Agent, Mercaptoacetic Acid Chelating Agent, Mercaptoacetic Acid Stabilizer, Mercaptoacetic Acid Intermediate
APPLICATIONS
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in hair waving formulations as a reducing agent that helps break disulfide bonds in keratin.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is incorporated into permanent wave systems after neutralization to thioglycolate salts for controlled hair reshaping.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in hair straightening and relaxing systems in selected formulations where keratin reduction is required.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in depilatory products through thioglycolate chemistry to weaken hair structure.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is incorporated into calcium, ammonium, or sodium thioglycolate systems depending on product design and pH control.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in cosmetic formulations only under controlled regulatory limits and strict safety requirements.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used as an intermediate in the production of thioglycolate salts and esters.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is incorporated into synthesis routes for ammonium thioglycolate, calcium thioglycolate, sodium thioglycolate, and other derivatives.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in specialty chemical manufacturing where thiol and carboxylic acid functionality are required.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in PVC stabilizer production as a raw material for organotin mercaptide stabilizers.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is incorporated into metal-containing stabilizer systems that improve PVC heat stability during processing.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in plastic additive manufacturing where sulfur-containing ligands support thermal stabilization performance.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in analytical chemistry as a reagent for metal complexation and redox-related procedures.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is incorporated into metal treatment and cleaning applications in selected systems where reducing and complexing behavior are useful.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is valued because Mercaptoacetic Acid provides strong thiol reactivity, reducing action, and metal-binding behavior across cosmetic, polymer, analytical, and industrial applications.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in cosmetic depilatory formulations. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps break disulfide bonds in keratin. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in hair-removal creams under controlled formulation conditions. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports the softening and removal of unwanted hair.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in hair-waving products. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps modify the structure of hair fibers. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in permanent wave formulations. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports curl formation when followed by suitable neutralization.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in hair-straightening systems. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps relax keratin structure in selected hair treatments. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in professional salon formulations. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports controlled reshaping of hair under regulated use levels.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used as a chemical intermediate. Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in the synthesis of thioglycolate salts. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in the production of ammonium thioglycolate. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports the manufacture of cosmetic and industrial thioglycolate derivatives.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in polymer chemistry. Mercaptoacetic Acid acts as a chain-transfer agent in polymerization reactions. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps control molecular weight in selected polymer systems. Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in acrylic and vinyl polymer production.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in PVC stabilizer production. Mercaptoacetic Acid serves as a raw material for organotin thioglycolates. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps produce heat stabilizers for PVC processing. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports improved thermal stability in vinyl materials.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in metal surface treatment. Mercaptoacetic Acid acts as a complexing agent for metal ions. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in metal cleaning formulations. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps remove metal oxides and residues from surfaces.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in analytical chemistry. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied as a reagent for detecting and complexing metals. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps stabilize certain metal ions in solution. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports laboratory methods involving sulfur-containing ligands.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in leather processing. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps modify protein-based materials. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in specialty tanning and finishing operations. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports controlled chemical treatment of collagen-based substrates.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in textile processing. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps modify wool and other keratin-based fibers. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in textile finishing systems. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports fiber softening and chemical treatment processes.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in corrosion-inhibition formulations. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps interact with metal surfaces through sulfur functionality. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in specialty industrial treatment products. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports surface protection in selected systems.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis. Mercaptoacetic Acid provides thiol and carboxylic acid functionality for organic synthesis. Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in fine chemical manufacturing. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports the preparation of sulfur-containing compounds.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in adhesive and sealant chemistry. Mercaptoacetic Acid helps modify polymer reactivity in selected formulations. Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in research and development of functional polymers. Mercaptoacetic Acid supports controlled reaction pathways in specialty materials.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is used in laboratory research. Mercaptoacetic Acid is applied in studies involving thiol chemistry and redox reactions.
DESCRIPTION
Mercaptoacetic Acid is an organosulfur compound containing both a thiol group and a carboxylic acid group, and this dual functionality gives Mercaptoacetic Acid high reactivity in reduction, complexation, and derivative formation.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is also widely known as Thioglycolic Acid, and its thiol group is responsible for its strong sulfur odor and reducing behavior.
Mercaptoacetic Acid can reduce disulfide bonds in keratin, which explains its use in permanent waving, hair straightening, and depilatory chemistry after appropriate neutralization and formulation control.
Mercaptoacetic Acid forms salts and esters called thioglycolates, and these derivatives are widely used in cosmetics, polymer additives, and specialty chemical systems.
Mercaptoacetic Acid can complex metals through sulfur and oxygen donor atoms, making Mercaptoacetic Acid useful in selected metal treatment, analytical, and stabilization applications.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is corrosive and toxic, so exposure to vapors, mist, skin contact, and ingestion must be strictly prevented.
Mercaptoacetic Acid should be protected from strong oxidizers because thiols can oxidize to disulfides and other sulfur-containing products.
Mercaptoacetic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers away from heat, incompatible metals, bases, oxidizers, and sources of ignition.
Mercaptoacetic Acid should be used according to applicable cosmetic, industrial, chemical, occupational safety, transport, and environmental regulations for the target market.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is an organosulfur compound containing both thiol and carboxylic acid groups. Mercaptoacetic Acid is also known as thioglycolic acid. Mercaptoacetic Acid is commonly supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. Mercaptoacetic Acid has a strong and unpleasant sulfur-like odor.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is soluble in water. Mercaptoacetic Acid is miscible with many polar solvents. Mercaptoacetic Acid is chemically reactive because of its thiol group. Mercaptoacetic Acid can form salts with bases.
Mercaptoacetic Acid can form complexes with many metal ions. Mercaptoacetic Acid can reduce disulfide bonds in protein structures. Mercaptoacetic Acid is corrosive and requires careful handling. Mercaptoacetic Acid may cause burns to skin and eyes.
Mercaptoacetic Acid may be harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin. Mercaptoacetic Acid should be handled with suitable protective equipment. Mercaptoacetic Acid requires good ventilation during use. Mercaptoacetic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers.
Mercaptoacetic Acid should be protected from heat and incompatible materials. Mercaptoacetic Acid should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents. Mercaptoacetic Acid may darken or degrade if improperly stored. Mercaptoacetic Acid should be stored in a cool and dry area.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is valued for its reducing and complexing properties. Mercaptoacetic Acid is important in applications involving keratin modification. Mercaptoacetic Acid is useful in synthesis because it contains two functional groups. Mercaptoacetic Acid performance depends on concentration, pH, temperature, and formulation design.
Mercaptoacetic Acid is an important chemical intermediate for cosmetics, polymers, PVC stabilizers, and specialty chemicals.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C2H4O2S
Molecular Weight: 92.12 g/mol
Common Name: Mercaptoacetic Acid
Chemical Type: Thiol carboxylic acid; reducing agent; chemical intermediate; complexing agent
Appearance: Clear colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong unpleasant sulfur-like odor
Solubility: Miscible with water and alcohol; soluble in many polar solvents
Boiling Point: Approximately 220°C, with decomposition possible
Melting Point: Approximately -16°C
Density: Approximately 1.32 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH Behavior: Strongly acidic in aqueous solution
Reactivity: Reacts with oxidizers, bases, metals, and disulfide-containing substrates
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; avoid oxidation, heat, and contamination
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, tightly closed, cool, dry, well-ventilated
Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months in original sealed packaging, supplier dependent
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if vapors or mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, breathing difficulty, dizziness, headache, or respiratory irritation occurs.
Keep the affected person under observation because significant exposure may cause delayed symptoms.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse skin with plenty of water.
Wash thoroughly with soap and water after initial rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because Mercaptoacetic Acid can cause burns and systemic toxicity through skin exposure.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because serious eye damage is possible.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison center.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Monitor for corrosive injury, respiratory irritation, and systemic toxicity after significant exposure.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, protective clothing, and respiratory protection where needed.
Avoid breathing vapors or mists and prevent all skin and eye contact.
Use closed transfer systems or controlled dispensing where possible because of odor, corrosivity, and toxicity.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust ventilation during transfer, mixing, neutralization, and processing.
Avoid handling in confined spaces without adequate airflow and exposure assessment.
Use ventilation systems designed to control strong sulfur odor and corrosive vapors.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Protect from heat, sunlight, air oxidation, and contamination.
Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong bases, metals, metal salts, and incompatible reactive chemicals.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Evacuate unnecessary personnel and ventilate the area.
Contain spill with compatible inert absorbent and collect into suitable corrosion-resistant waste containers.
Prevent entry into drains and dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Control pH and neutralization carefully because Mercaptoacetic Acid is corrosive and heat may be released when bases are added.
Control oxidation because Mercaptoacetic Acid can lose reducing activity and form disulfide oxidation products when exposed to oxidizing conditions.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent assay, odor profile, color, and reducing performance.
