Thioglycolic acid (TGA), is a versatile organic compound with a thiol (–SH) group and a carboxylic acid (–COOH) group. It has a wide range of industrial, chemical, and cosmetic applications due to its reducing and chelating properties.
Below are its key applications:
1. Cosmetics & Hair Care (Major Use)
– Hair Perming & Straightening
– TGA is the primary active ingredient in hair relaxers and permanent wave solutions.
– It breaks disulfide bonds (–S–S–) in keratin (hair protein), allowing reshaping of hair structure.
– Neutralizers (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) reform bonds to set the new style.
– Depilatory Creams
– Weakens hair proteins for easy removal (similar mechanism to perms).
2. Chemical Industry
– Gold Extraction
– Forms complexes with gold in some mining processes (alternative to cyanide).
3. In the petrochemical industry and the railway sector, used for equipment and rail cleaning and rust removal;
4. It is the main raw material for the preparation of isooctyl thioglycolate and a heat stabilizer for non-toxic chlorinated polyolefins;
5. It is the main raw material for the preparation of methyl thioglycolate, which is widely used in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates, and can also be used as a key raw material in the production of pharmaceuticals and veterinary drugs alone;
6. As a chain transfer agent, used in the production of polycarboxylate superplasticizer;
7. Catalyst for making epoxy resin, bisphenol A;
8. Its reagent products are sensitive reagents for testing iron, molybdenum, silver, tin and other metal ions
Safety & Handling
Avoid rain, sun and fireworks. Wear goggles and respirator when using, avoid contact with skin, eyes and mouth. In the event of a similar situation, rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes.
