mercaptoacetic acid CAS 68-11-1(Thioglycolic acid) is a colorless transparent liquid, and industrial products are colorless to slightly yellow, with a strong pungent odor.  miscible with water, ethanol and ether, with toxicity, easy to  absorbed by the skin and respiratory tract, causing skin damage, allergies and other symptoms, and even affecting body metabolism, long-term contact will cause a variety of tissue and organ damage, and has strong mutagenic and reproductive toxicity. Therefore, it needs to be strictly controlled.

                                                ANALYSIS  RESULT
ITEM STANDARD TEST RESULT
Appearance Colorless or light yellow
Purity% ≥ 99.0 99.11
Other Acids % ≤ 0.2 0.2
Iron ppm 0.2ppm 0.2ppm

Applications and Uses

Mercaptoacetic acid’s dual functional groups enable its versatile application in beauty, materials, and analytical fields:

  • Cosmetics and Hair Care: Primary active in permanent wave lotions, hair straighteners, and depilatories, where the thiol group cleaves disulfide bonds in keratin for reshaping and smoothing.
  • Polymer and Rubber Industry: Acts as a chain transfer agent and cross-linking modifier in synthetic rubber and PVC stabilization, enhancing flexibility and UV resistance.
  • Analytical Chemistry: Employed as a reagent for spectrophotometric determination of metals like iron, copper, and molybdenum through selective chelation and complex formation.
  • Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Utilized in synthesizing cysteine derivatives and as a reducing agent in API production, supporting antioxidant formulations.
  • Other Industrial Uses: Functions in metal surface treatment for corrosion inhibition and as a frother in mineral flotation processes.

Its biodegradability under aerobic conditions promotes eco-friendly alternatives in personal care and manufacturing.

Safety and Handling

Mercaptoacetic acid is corrosive, causing severe skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory irritation due to its strong odor and acidity. It is toxic if ingested or inhaled and may liberate hydrogen sulfide upon decomposition. Primary guidelines include:

  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area (<25°C) in corrosion-resistant containers like glass or stainless steel; keep away from oxidizers, alkalis, and heat to prevent polymerization.
  • Handling: Wear PPE including acid-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, and full-body protection. Use in a fume hood; neutralize spills with sodium bicarbonate and ventilate thoroughly.
  • Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life; contain effluents and dispose via neutralization and incineration per hazardous waste regulations.
  • Regulatory Compliance: UN 1940 (Class 8, PG II); complies with GHS (H314: Causes severe skin burns; H318: Serious eye damage; H331: Toxic if inhaled) and REACH/TSCA for corrosives.

Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for exposure limits and first-aid measures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary use of Mercaptoacetic acid?

Mercaptoacetic acid is mainly used in cosmetics for hair perming and straightening, where its thiol functionality disrupts disulfide bonds to enable reshaping.

Is Mercaptoacetic acid safe for cosmetic formulations?

It is corrosive and odorous, requiring dilution and stabilization, but safe in regulated concentrations (<11%) for professional use with proper ventilation and PPE.

What is the shelf life of Mercaptoacetic acid?

Stored in sealed, cool conditions away from light and air, it remains stable for 12-18 months, though monitor for discoloration indicating oxidation.

Can Mercaptoacetic acid be shipped internationally?

Yes, it is shipped globally under UN 1940 regulations, in compatible drums or bottles for quantities from 100 mL to bulk, with corrosive labeling.

How does Mercaptoacetic acid compare to ammonium thioglycolate?

Mercaptoacetic acid offers stronger acidity and broader chelation than its ammonium salt, making it preferable for analytical and polymer applications over hair care.

Is Mercaptoacetic acid soluble in organic solvents?

It is miscible with water, alcohols, and ethers but sparingly soluble in non-polar solvents like hexane, aiding selective extractions.

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