Thiolactic acid
Description
Thiolactic acid (CAS 79-42-5), also known as alpha-mercaptopropionic acid, is a sulfur-containing organic acid used across pharmaceutical synthesis, personal care manufacturing, and industrial processing.
Its thiol and carboxylic acid groups make it a reactive intermediate for building complex molecules and a functional agent in formulation chemistry. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a key intermediate.
It is used in the synthesis of active ingredients and chiral building blocks where precise stereochemistry is required. Personal care formulators use it in hair waving and straightening products for styling.
Controlled reduction of disulfide bonds in keratin enables permanent styling effects. Leather processors apply it during hide treatment to modify protein structure and improve softness and dye uptake.
In textile processing, it supports fiber preparation and finishing steps where controlled pH and reducing conditions are needed. Thiolactic acid is supplied as a liquid, typically at 80–85% aqueous solution.
Higher purity grades are available for pharmaceutical applications. Technical-grade material is standard for industrial textile and leather uses. Pharmaceutical-grade supply is available for specific customers.
This supply is for customers requiring documentation aligned with GMP manufacturing standards. The material ensures high performance across diverse industrial, cosmetic, and medicinal chemical applications.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 12 °C |
| Boiling Point | 91 °C @ Press: 9 Torr |
| Density | 1.193 g/cm³ @ Temp: 19.2 °C |
| Flash Point | 190 °F |
| Appearance | Clear colorless to slightly yellow liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless to slightly yellow |
| Odor | at 0.01 % in propylene glycol. meaty sulfurous roasted |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | MISCIBLE |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.7 hPa (20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.481(lit.) |
| pH | 2 (H2O, 20℃)(undiluted) |
| Log P | 1.15 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29309070 |
| UN Number | 2936 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
alpha-mercaptopropionic acid|alpha-mercaptopropanoic acid|2-thiolpropionic acid|2-Mercaptopropionic acid|2-thiolactic acid|2-mercaptopropanoic acid|PROPANOIC ACID, 2-MERCAPTO-|Propionic acid, 2-mercapto-
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