Ammonium glycolate

Ammonium glycolate (CAS 35249-89-9), also known as ammonium hydroxyacetate, is the ammonium salt of glycolic acid used industrially as a pH buffer and mild chelating agent. It combines the buffering capacity of glycolate with the nitrogen contribution of the ammonium ion, making it suitable for process chemistries where both functions are needed simultaneously.

In textile and leather processing, it buffers dye baths and tanning liquors to maintain consistent pH, improving dye uptake uniformity and reducing batch variation. Water treatment formulators incorporate it as a sequestrant to control metal ion interference in treatment programs. In agricultural applications, it functions as a pH-adjusting component.

It is used in liquid fertilizer formulations and crop protection tank mixes where solution stability is critical. Paper manufacturers use it in pulp processing to regulate pH during bleaching. Ammonium glycolate is typically supplied as an aqueous solution, with concentration ranges commonly around 50–70% depending on the supplier and application requirement.

Technical grade is the standard commercial offering for industrial process applications. Packaging is generally available in drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) suited to industrial volumes.