Mercaptoacetic acid

Description

Mercaptoacetic acid · CAS 68-11-1 · C2H4O2S. UNII 7857H94KHM. Boiling Point: 248 °F at 20 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: 120 °C at 20 mm Hg; Boiling Point: 120 °C.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	68-11-1
PubChem CID	1133
Molecular formula	C2H4O2S
IUPAC name	2-sulfanylacetic acid
UNII (FDA)	7857H94KHM

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	92.12
XLogP3	0.1
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	2
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	3
Rotatable Bond Count	1
Exact Mass	91.99320054
Monoisotopic Mass	91.99320054
Topological Polar Surface Area	38.3
Heavy Atom Count	5
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	248 °F at 20 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point	120 °C at 20 mm Hg
Boiling Point	120 °C
Boiling Point	248 °F at 20 mmHg
Melting Point	2.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point	-16.5 °C
Melting Point	2.3 °F
Melting Point	2 °F
Flash Point	235 °F (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point	126 °C, open cup

Physical description & handling notes

• Thioglycolic acid appears as a colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor. Density 1.325 g / cm3. Used to make permanent wave solutions and depilatories. Corrosive to metals and tissue.
• Liquid
• Colorless liquid with a strong, disagreeable odor characteristic of mercaptans. [Note: Olfactory fatigue may occur after short exposures.]; [NIOSH]
• COLOURLESS VISCOUS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.
• Colorless liquid
• Clear, colorless liquid

Regulatory Status

Regulatory & Food Contact	CIR / INCI: Cosmetic ingredients (Thioglycolic Acid) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) CIR / INCI: Reducing; Hair waving or straightening; Depilatory

GHS Hazard Classification

Reported hazard statements	H301, H311, H314, H331, H317 (11.2%), H318 (44.4%), H330 (16%), H332

Documented Uses

• CIR ingredient: Thioglycolic Acid
• Used to manufacture drugs, permanent wave solutions, and other chemicals; Concentrations are up to 11% in hair products and 5% in depilatories; [ACGIH]
• Dressing Hair [Category: Other]
• Used as a raw material in the manufacture of fine and specialty chemicals in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.
• Sensitive reagent for iron, molybdenum, silver, tin ... Used in the manufacture of thioglycolates.
• The ammonium and sodium salts are commonly used for cold waving and the calcium salt is a depilatory. The sodium salt is used in bacteriology in the prepn of thioglycolate media. /Salts/

Synonyms

mercaptoacetic acid; thioglycolic acid; 68-11-1; 2-Mercaptoacetic acid; 2-Thioglycolic acid; Thioglycollic acid; Acetic acid, mercapto-; Sulfanylacetic acid; Thiovanic acid; Mercaptoessigsaeure; Glycolic acid, thio-; USAF CB-35; Acide thioglycolique; Glycolic acid, 2-thio-; Mercaptoethanoic acid; Kyselina thioglykolova

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of Mercaptoacetic acid?

CAS 68-11-1; molecular formula C2H4O2S; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is Mercaptoacetic acid known by?

mercaptoacetic acid, thioglycolic acid, 68-11-1, 2-Mercaptoacetic acid, 2-Thioglycolic acid, Thioglycollic acid.

What is the regulatory status of Mercaptoacetic acid?

Documented regulatory listings: CIR / INCI: Cosmetic ingredients (Thioglycolic Acid) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review); CIR / INCI: Reducing; Hair waving or straightening; Depilatory.

Is Mercaptoacetic acid classified as hazardous?

Hazard statements reported: H301, H311, H314, H331, H317.

What are the key physical properties of Mercaptoacetic acid?

Boiling Point: 248 °F at 20 mmHg (NTP, 1992); Boiling Point: 120 °C at 20 mm Hg; Boiling Point: 120 °C; Boiling Point: 248 °F at 20 mmHg.

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.