Substance profile
Thioglycolic Acid
Thioglycolic Acid is a colorless liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Thioglycolic Acid is
Thioglycolic Acid is a colorless liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C2H4O2S and its molecular weight is 92.12 g/mol. It boils at 120 °C, melts at -16.5 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P330, P331, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Thioglycolic Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 120 °C (248 °F) | ICSC | |
| 120 °C (248 °F) | at 20 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | -16.5 °C (2.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| -16.67 °C (2 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.32 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.3253 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with water | HSDB | |
| Miscible with chloroform, benzene and many other organic solvents | HSDB | ||
| Miscible with ethanol, and ethyl ether; slightly soluble in chloroform | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.0868 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 9.7508 mmHg | at 18 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 130 °C (266 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| 112.78 °C (235 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 126 °C (258.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 350 °C (662 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 5.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.18 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.2 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Corrosivity | Corrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Thioglycolic Acid
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature: -20 °C
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizing agents, Strong acids
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
THIOGLYCOLIC ACID is readily oxidized by air (NTP, 1992). Reacts readily with other oxidizing agents as well in reactions that may generate toxic gases. Incompatible with diazo and azo compounds, halocarbons, isocyanates, aldehydes, alkali metals, nitrides, hydrides, and other strong reducing agents. Reactions with these materials may generate heat and toxic and flammable gases. May react with acids to liberate hydrogen sulfide. Neutralizes bases in exothermic reactions. Reacts with cyanides, sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates to generate flammable and toxic gases and heat. Reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Thioglycolic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →