Are Thioglycolic Acid, TGA and Mercaptoacetic Acid the same material?

Yes. These names identify CAS 68-11-1, formula C2H4O2S and molecular weight about 92.12 g/mol. Commercial TGA is supplied at different concentrations such as 70%, 80%, 90% or 99%+, so state the concentration and water basis.

What is Thioglycolic Acid used for?

TGA is used in hair-waving and depilatory products, PVC stabilizer chemistry, epoxy resin systems, metal treatment and cleaning, and as a sulfur-containing reducing reagent. The intended reaction or formulation determines whether a dilute aqueous grade or high-assay material is needed.

Which specifications should be agreed when purchasing industrial TGA?

Confirm TGA content and method, water basis, color or Pt-Co number, density, iron and chloride or organic-chlorine limits. Concentration and impurity limits differ between 80%, 90% and high-assay grades.

What are typical physical properties of Thioglycolic Acid?

TGA is normally a colorless to pale-yellow liquid with typical density about 1.32-1.33 g/cm3 and melting point around -16 C. Reported boiling point is commonly around 96 C at 5 mmHg, with possible decomposition at higher temperature; a reported closed-cup flash point is near 130-132 C.

How should Thioglycolic Acid be stored, shipped and handled?

Keep it cool, dry and tightly closed away from oxidizers, heat and incompatible metals. TGA is UN 1940, Class 8 corrosive, and many grades recommend storage around 2-8 C with protective equipment during transfer. Agree container material, net quantity, seals and destination requirements before bulk delivery.

Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) CAS 68-11-1

Thioglycolic Acid (TGA), also called mercaptoacetic acid, is a sulfur-containing carboxylic acid identified by CAS 68-11-1. For an inquiry, identify the required concentration, intended process, and material-compatibility requirements.

CAS: 68-11-1
Synonyms: Mercaptoacetic Acid; 2-Mercaptoacetic Acid; TGA
Einecs: 200-677-4
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₂S
Grade: Confirm the current product-specific specification.
Package: Confirm packaging requirements for the proposed material and destination.

Request a quote

Share:

Product Description

1. Product identity: Thioglycolic Acid (TGA), also called mercaptoacetic acid, is a sulfur-containing carboxylic acid identified by CAS 68-11-1.

2. Product-specific specification: Confirm the current product-specific specification.

Inspection item	Current product-specific specification
Assay / concentration	Confirm the current product-specific specification.
Density	Confirm the current product-specific specification.
pH	Confirm the current product-specific specification.

3. Industrial context: Thioglycolic acid may be evaluated for sulfur-chemistry processes when the required concentration, process compatibility, and safety controls are defined.

4. Packaging: Confirm packaging requirements for the proposed material and destination.

For a related mercapto-acid raw material, see 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid.

5. Storage and handling: Handling, storage, and process requirements must be reviewed against the applicable SDS and current product-specific specification.

6. Safety review: Handling, storage, and process requirements must be reviewed against the applicable SDS and current product-specific specification.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Are Thioglycolic Acid, TGA and Mercaptoacetic Acid the same material?

A: Yes. These names identify CAS 68-11-1, formula C2H4O2S and molecular weight about 92.12 g/mol. Commercial TGA is supplied at different concentrations such as 70%, 80%, 90% or 99%+, so state the concentration and water basis.
Q:
What is Thioglycolic Acid used for?

A: TGA is used in hair-waving and depilatory products, PVC stabilizer chemistry, epoxy resin systems, metal treatment and cleaning, and as a sulfur-containing reducing reagent. The intended reaction or formulation determines whether a dilute aqueous grade or high-assay material is needed.
Q:
Which specifications should be agreed when purchasing industrial TGA?

A: Confirm TGA content and method, water basis, color or Pt-Co number, density, iron and chloride or organic-chlorine limits. Concentration and impurity limits differ between 80%, 90% and high-assay grades.
Q:
What are typical physical properties of Thioglycolic Acid?

A: TGA is normally a colorless to pale-yellow liquid with typical density about 1.32-1.33 g/cm3 and melting point around -16 C. Reported boiling point is commonly around 96 C at 5 mmHg, with possible decomposition at higher temperature; a reported closed-cup flash point is near 130-132 C.
Q:
How should Thioglycolic Acid be stored, shipped and handled?

A: Keep it cool, dry and tightly closed away from oxidizers, heat and incompatible metals. TGA is UN 1940, Class 8 corrosive, and many grades recommend storage around 2-8 C with protective equipment during transfer. Agree container material, net quantity, seals and destination requirements before bulk delivery.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

Current Language

Change Language