Sodium Thioglycolate – CAS No. 367-51-1
Product Overview
Sodium Thioglycolate, with the chemical formula C₂H₃NaO₂S and CAS Number 367-51-1, is a sodium salt of thioglycolic acid serving as a powerful reducing agent in cosmetics, microbiology, and industrial formulations. This clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid, typically supplied as a 20-50% aqueous solution, exhibits high water solubility and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5), enabling effective cleavage of disulfide bonds in proteins for hair removal and anaerobic culturing. With a purity ≥98%, it acts as an antioxidant and chelator, preventing oxidation and metal-induced discoloration while maintaining formulation stability. Its mild mercaptan odor is minimal in diluted forms, making it suitable for sensitive applications without compromising efficacy or safety.
Key benefits of Sodium Thioglycolate include:
- Strong Reducing Power: Efficiently breaks keratin disulfide linkages for smooth depilation and microbial reduction.
- High Solubility: Fully miscible in water and alcohols, ensuring uniform blending in creams and media.
- Antioxidant Protection: Scavenges free radicals and sequesters metals to extend product shelf life.
- Low Toxicity: Gentle on skin and non-irritating at recommended concentrations, ideal for consumer products.
- Regulatory Approval: Compliant with CIR and USP standards for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use.
Sodium Thioglycolate is produced by neutralizing thioglycolic acid with sodium hydroxide, yielding a stable solution free from heavy metals and impurities for consistent performance.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₂H₃NaO₂S |
| CAS Number | 367-51-1 |
| Molecular Weight | 114.10 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Purity | ≥98% |
| Assay (as SCH₂COONa) | 19-21% (20% solution) |
| pH (20% Solution) | 6.5-7.5 |
| Solubility in Water | Fully miscible at 20°C |
| Density | 1.10-1.15 g/mL at 20°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.335-1.340 |
| Storage | Cool, dark place; airtight containers |
These specifications confirm Sodium Thioglycolate’s suitability for precise reducing and chelating roles in sensitive formulations.
Applications
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Depilatory Creams and Waxes: Incorporated at 2-5% to soften and dissolve hair follicles, enabling effective removal in 3-8 minutes with minimal skin irritation.
- Hair Perming and Straightening: Reducing agent in lotions at 1-3% to reshape curls or relax waves, promoting even bond reformation for lasting results.
- Skin Care Antioxidants: Stabilizer in serums and creams to prevent rancidity and enhance active ingredient efficacy.
Microbiology and Laboratory
- Anaerobic Culture Media: Added at 0.1-0.5% to create reducing environments, inhibiting oxygen-tolerant bacteria and supporting strict anaerobe growth like Clostridium species.
- Enzyme Assays: Chelator in buffers to maintain thiol-dependent enzyme activity and prevent metal interference.
Industrial Uses
- Polymer and Textile Processing: Reducing agent in dyeing baths at 0.5-2% to strip dyes and restore fabric whiteness without fabric damage.
- Metal Surface Treatment: Corrosion inhibitor in pickling solutions, chelating iron ions to protect substrates during cleaning.
Why Choose Our Sodium Thioglycolate?
Our Sodium Thioglycolate is purified via ion exchange to achieve heavy metals <5 ppm and minimal free thioglycolic acid (<0.1%), delivering odorless, high-potency performance. Cosmetic formulators experience 15-20% faster depilation and improved user tolerance in trials. Available in 20%, 30%, and 50% solutions for cosmetic, pharma, and technical grades, packaged in 25kg drums, 200kg IBCs, or bulk tankers, with full GMP and Kosher certifications for seamless integration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Sodium Thioglycolate?
Sodium Thioglycolate is the sodium salt of thioglycolic acid with formula C₂H₃NaO₂S and CAS 367-51-1, used as a reducing agent. It’s a water-soluble liquid that cleaves disulfide bonds in proteins for depilatory, perming, and anaerobic applications.
How is Sodium Thioglycolate used in hair removal products?
Formulate at 3-6% in alkaline creams; it penetrates the hair shaft to weaken keratin, allowing easy removal after 5-10 minutes. Neutralize with mild acids post-application to restore pH.
Is Sodium Thioglycolate safe for skin contact?
Yes, it’s CIR-approved for cosmetics up to 5% in rinse-off products, with low sensitization risk and rapid degradation to non-toxic metabolites, though patch tests are advised for sensitive users.
What is the shelf life of Sodium Thioglycolate?
In sealed, cool storage (<25°C) away from oxidizers, solutions maintain >95% activity for 18-24 months, with amber packaging recommended to prevent light-induced degradation.
Can Sodium Thioglycolate be combined with other reducing agents?
It synergizes with cysteine or urea for enhanced penetration but avoid strong oxidants like hydrogen peroxide; stability is optimal in pH 7-9 formulations after compatibility trials.
Does Sodium Thioglycolate have a strong odor?
High-purity grades like ours have a faint, non-offensive mercaptan scent that dissipates in diluted products, far milder than thioglycolic acid for better consumer acceptance.
What packaging options are available for Sodium Thioglycolate?
We provide 25kg HDPE drums, 200L plastic IBCs, and 1000kg totes, all lined for chemical resistance and compliant with UN 3266 for safe global shipping.
For recipe optimization, purity verification, or custom concentrations, our specialists offer tailored expertise.
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