Basic identification of Glycolic acid (Hydroxyacetic acid) CAS 79-14-1 

Chinese name: Glycolic acid, also known as hydroxyacetic acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxyacetic acid

English name: Glycolic acid, 2-Hydroxyacetic acid

CAS number: 79-14-1

EINECS：201-180-5

Molecular formula: C2H4O3

Molecular weight: 76.05

PKa=3.83 (small molecule organic acid, the simplest alpha hydroxy acid AHA)

Physical and chemical properties

Pure appearance: colorless, highly hygroscopic and crystalline; 70% aqueous solution is commonly used in industrial products, which is a light yellow liquid with a slight caramel smell

Melting point: 75-80 ℃; Decomposition occurs at around 100 ℃, with no stable atmospheric boiling point

Density: 1.49 g/cm ³ (solid); 70% aqueous solution at approximately 1.25 g/mL

Solubility: Highly soluble in water; Soluble in ethanol, ether, and acetone; Difficult to dissolve in hydrocarbon solvents

Characteristics: Extremely small molecules, strong permeability; Having both carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups, it can undergo esterification and polymerization reactions; Synthetic polyglycolic acid (PGA, a biodegradable polymer)

Main use

Cosmetics industry (well-known application: glycolic acid)

Industrial cleaning agents

Cleaning of boiler, heat exchanger, pipeline scale and rust; Compared to inorganic acids, it has milder corrosiveness and is often used in combination with formic acid.

Polymer synthesis

Synthesis of polyglycolic acid PGA, PLGA (poly (lactic acid glycolic acid) copolymer), medical absorbable sutures, drug sustained-release microspheres, and core monomers for biodegradable materials.

Other industries

Leather tanning agents, textile dyeing auxiliaries, electroplating additives, copper circuit board etchants, organic synthesis intermediates.

Specification

70% Aqueous Solution - Industrial Grade

Appearance                Yellow brown transparent liquid

Assay (Total Acid)       ≥70.00%

Color (Pt-co)               ≤60

Heavy Metal               ≤20ppm

Fe                              ≤10ppm

70% Aqueous Solution - Pharma Grade

Appearance               Light yellow or colorless transparent liquid

Assay (Total Acid)      ≥70.0%

Color (Pt-co)             ≤30

Heavy Metal             ≤10ppm

Cl                             ≤10ppm

70% Aqueous Solution -- Cosmetic grade

Appearance             Colorless transparent liquid

Assay (Total Acid)    ≥70.0

Color (Pt-co)            ≤30

Heavy metals          ≤20ppm

Chloride                  ≤10ppm

99% Powder

Appearance            White crystalline powder

Assay                     ≥99.00%

Heavy metal           ≤10ppm

Chloride ion            ≤20ppm

Safety Information 

GHS [Danger Danger]
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (strong corrosiveness of concentrated solutions)
H332: Harmful by inhalation
Key risks:
Solid dust and high concentration aqueous solutions have strong corrosiveness, and acid resistant gloves and goggles must be worn during operation;
Avoid mixing strong alkalis and strong oxidants;
Thermal decomposition releases irritating smoke; Solid dust and air can form a combustible dust mixture.
Low acute oral toxicity, but the corrosive effect is much greater than acute toxicity, and direct contact with mucous membranes is strictly prohibited.

Packaging and Storage conditions

Sealed, cool, dry and ventilated warehouse; Moisture proof (highly hygroscopic and deliquescent); Store separately from alkalis and oxidants; Use plastic/lined containers to avoid long-term storage of ordinary carbon steel containers. It is stable stored at temperature above 10°C(50°F). The storage should be kept warm to maintain temperatures above 10°C(50°F) to prevent precipitation of glycolic acid crystals.

1) 70% Aqueous Solution: 250kg per plastic drum; total 20MT per 20ft container with pallets (without pallets)

2) 99% Powder:  25kg per fiber drum; total 16MT per 20ft container with pallets