Organic Acids
REACH
Thioglycolic acid
CAS Number
68-11-1
EC Number
200-677-4
Abbreviation
TGA
What is Thioglycolic acid?
Thioglycolic acid (CAS 68-11-1), also known as mercaptoacetic acid and commonly abbreviated as TGA, is an organosulfur acid used in industrial and consumer-facing manufacturing.
Where is Thioglycolic acid used?
- Personal care: active ingredient in permanent wave solutions
- Depilatory creams: breaks disulfide bonds in keratin to reshape or dissolve hair
- PVC stabilizers: building block for tin and lead mercaptide heat stabilizers
- Leather processing: assists depilation and hide preparation, reducing reliance on sulfide-based alternatives
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: intermediate in the synthesis of active compounds
- It also acts as a reagent in analytical testing for metal ion detection and laboratory research.
Good to know: Technical-grade material is the standard for polymer stabilizer production and industrial leather processing. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP and BP specifications for regulated manufacturing environments.
Commercial specifications
- Concentrations of 70%, 80%, and 99%+
- Technical and high-purity grades
Other Names (Synonyms)
thiovanic acid|sulfanylacetic acid|alpha-mercaptoacetic acid|acetyl mercaptan|2-thioglycolic acid|2-mercaptoacetic acid|TGA|mercaptoacetic acid
What are the physical properties of Thioglycolic acid?
Melting Point -16.5 °C
Boiling Point 120 °C @ Press: 20 Torr
Density 1.3253 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 126 °C
Appearance Thioglycolic acid is a colorless liquid with a strong unpleasant odor like rotten eggs.
Color clear clear, colorless
Odor strong unpleasant odor
Form Liquid
Water Solubility soluble
Vapor Pressure 0.4 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.505(lit.)
pH 1 (H2O, 20℃)
Log P 0.090
How is Thioglycolic acid classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary Statements
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Thioglycolic acid?
HS Code 29309070
UN Number 1940
ADR Class 8
Packing Group II
Storage Class 6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3
toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
WGK (Germany) 1