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Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is a colorless, sulfur-containing organic compound used as a reducing agent, chelating agent, and stabilizer in various industrial and cosmetic applications.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is widely known for its use in hair care products, especially in formulations for permanent wave (perm) treatments, where it breaks disulfide bonds in hair, allowing for reshaping.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is also valued for its chelating abilities and its role as a reagent in metal processing, cleaning, and water treatment applications.
CAS Number: 68-11-1
EC Number: 200-677-4
Molecular Formula: C2H4O2S
Molecular Weight: 92.12 g/mol
Synonyms: Thioglycolic Acid, TGA, Mercaptoacetic Acid, 2-Mercaptoacetic Acid, Acetyl Mercaptan, Acetomercaptan, Acetic Acid, Mercapto-, HSCH2COOH, Thioacetic Acid, Mercaptoethanoic Acid, Carboxymethyl Mercaptan, Thiolacetic Acid, TGA Acid, Thioglycolic Acid, Ethanoic Acid, 2-Thioacetic Acid, Thioacetic Acid Hydroxy, Acetic Acid Thiol, Mercaptoacetic Acid Solution, C2H4O2S, 2-Mercaptoacetic Acid Solution, Hydrogen Sulfide Derivative Acid, Thioglycol Acid, Mercapto-acetic Acid, 2-Mercapto-1-acetic Acid, Thioethyl Formic Acid
APPLICATIONS
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is extensively used in hair care products, such as perm solutions, where it breaks disulfide bonds in keratin, allowing hair to be reshaped and restructured.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is a key ingredient in depilatory creams, where it weakens hair structure for easy removal, providing a safe and effective method for hair removal.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is incorporated into relaxers for curly or textured hair, allowing controlled reshaping for a smoother, straightened appearance.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is applied in cosmetic formulations as a pH adjuster, stabilizing formulations and optimizing product performance for consumer safety.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is used in skin peel formulations for its exfoliating properties, promoting smooth, even skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is included in certain nail polish removers, where its reducing properties aid in dissolving polish for easier removal.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is widely used in metal processing as a chelating agent, where it effectively binds to metal ions, facilitating electroplating, corrosion control, and metal cleaning.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is applied in silver polish formulations to remove tarnish from silver items, providing a bright and clean finish.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is essential in copper cleaning solutions, where it removes oxide layers and prepares copper surfaces for further processing.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is utilized in water treatment applications, where it controls metal ions and prevents scaling, enhancing the performance of boilers and cooling systems.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is included in industrial cleaners, particularly for cleaning metal surfaces, where it dissolves mineral deposits and improves surface appearance.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is applied in oil and gas processing as a corrosion inhibitor, protecting pipelines and equipment from sulfide-induced corrosion.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is found in textile processing, where it serves as a reducing agent, enhancing dyeing processes and improving color fastness in fabrics.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is used in leather tanning and processing, where it aids in softening hides and improving leather texture.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is incorporated into laboratory reagents and buffers, where it provides reducing properties in specific analytical and biochemical assays.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is a valuable ingredient in chemical synthesis, where it serves as a starting material for producing pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is used in biochemical research as a reagent for the detection and quantification of proteins, assisting in protein purification and analysis.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is essential in analytical chemistry for colorimetric and spectrometric assays, where it reacts with metal ions to provide measurable results.
DESCRIPTION
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is a thiol-containing organic acid with reducing, chelating, and stabilizing properties, widely used in cosmetics, industrial, and research applications.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is known for its strong sulfur odor, a characteristic of thiols, and is commonly used in products requiring metal ion control, protein manipulation, and structural rearrangement.
The sulfur-containing structure of Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) allows it to form strong bonds with metals, making it highly effective in chelation and metal processing applications.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is biodegradable, but care should be taken in handling due to its corrosive nature and potential skin and eye irritancy.
Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is compatible with various surfactants and active ingredients, making it a versatile compound for formulating complex, high-performance products.
The reducing capabilities of Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) enable its use in multiple industries, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to industrial cleaning and metal finishing.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C2H4O2S
Molecular Weight: 92.12 g/mol
Common Name: Thioglycolic Acid (TGA)
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Density: Approx. 1.33 g/cm³
Boiling Point: 96°C
Melting Point: -16°C
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, and acetone
Flash Point: 82°C
Reactivity: Highly reactive with metals and oxidizing agents
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Storage Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Vapor Pressure: Moderate
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
If Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) vapors are inhaled, move the affected person to fresh air immediately.
If breathing difficulties persist, seek immediate medical attention.
If the person is not breathing, administer artificial respiration.
Keep the affected person warm and at rest.
Skin Contact:
Wash the affected area with soap and water.
If skin irritation or rash develops, seek medical attention.
Use gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eye Contact:
In case of eye contact, flush the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids.
Seek immediate medical attention if irritation or redness persists.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing.
Ingestion:
If Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) is ingested, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel.
Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
Seek immediate medical attention.
If the person is conscious, give small sips of water to drink.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote.
Provide supportive care and observe for potential toxic effects.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Personal Protection:
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing, when handling Thioglycolic Acid (TGA).
Use in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of vapors.
Ventilation:
Ensure adequate ventilation when handling Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) to control airborne concentrations below occupational exposure limits.
Avoidance:
Avoid direct contact with eyes and skin.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling Thioglycolic Acid (TGA).
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain spills to prevent further release and minimize exposure.
Absorb with inert material (e.g., sand, vermiculite) and collect for disposal.
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Storage:
Store Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers.
Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination.
Store away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Handling Cautions:
Avoid inhalation of vapors and direct contact with skin and eyes.
Use explosion-proof equipment in areas where vapors may be present.
