Thioglycolic acid

Synonyms

2-Mercaptoacetic acid; 2-Thioglycolic acid; Acetic acid, mercapto-; Acide thioglycolique [French]; Glycolic acid, 2-thio-; Glycolic acid, thio-; Kyselina merkaptooctova [Czech]; Kyselina thioglykolova [Czech]; Mercaptoacetic acid; Mercaptoessigsaeure; Thioglycolate; Thioglycolic acid; Thioglycollic acid; Thiovanic acid; [ChemIDplus] UN1940

Category

Sulfur Compounds

Description

Colorless liquid with a strong, disagreeable odor characteristic of mercaptans. [Note: Olfactory fatigue may occur after short exposures.]; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used to manufacture drugs, permanent wave solutions, and other chemicals; Concentrations are up to 11% in hair products and 5% in depilatories; [ACGIH]

Comments

Toxicological properties are similar to those of acetic acid. May cause skin irritation in professional hairdressers; Ammonium thioglycolate causes allergic contact dermatitis. “Thioglycolic acid and its salts and esters can be irritating to the skin and eyes and repeated exposure can cause skin sensitization.” [ACGIH] Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] A corrosive substance that can cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] Danger of skin sensitization; [MAK]

Biomedical References

Yes

1 ppm

0.0868 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 210 mg/m3/4h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 126 deg C, open cup; VP = 10 torr at 18 deg C; [ACGIH]

Yes

Yes

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Dressing Hair