Skip to content 
CAS 68-11-1 Mercaptoacetic acid
Overview
Mercaptoacetic acid (thioglycolic acid; CAS 68-11-1; C₂H₄O₂S, 92.12 g/mol) is a highly reactive thiol–carboxylic acid used as a reducing agent, nucleophile, chelating/complexing ligand, and chain-transfer agent in polymerizations (acrylics, styrenics) for molecular-weight control. It efficiently forms thioesters (R–S–COCH₃), promotes thiolation/mercaptoacylation steps in fine-chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis, brightens/levels in electroplating, and complexes metal ions for scale removal and surface treatment.
Product Description
CAS 68-11-1 Mercaptoacetic acid
Mercaptoacetic acid (thioglycolic acid, CAS 68-11-1, C₂H₄O₂S) is a bifunctional thiol–carboxylic acid featuring a highly nucleophilic –SH group that engages in clean thiolation/thioesterification and disulfide exchange, enabling efficient preparation of thioesters/thiols for downstream thioether (sulfide) formation, metal complexation, and chain-transfer control in acrylic/styrenic polymerizations. It supports mild, scalable processing with broad functional-group tolerance and is miscible with water and polar organics (e.g., alcohols, ketones, esters).
Mercaptoacetic Acid (Thioglycolic acid) — Product Specification
CAS: 68-11-1 | Formula: C2H4O2S | Molecular weight: 92.12 g/mol | Synonyms: Thioglycolic acid; TGA
Identity & Form
| Product form | Colorless to pale-yellow liquid; strong characteristic odor |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with water and polar organics (alcohols, ketones, esters) |
| Main functions | Thiol source / thioester formation; reducing/chelating agent; chain-transfer in radical polymerizations |
| Documents | COA · TDS · SDS · DG documents |
Typical Specification — Neat (example)
| Assay (GC) | ≥ 99.0% |
|---|---|
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 50 |
| Water (Karl Fischer) | ≤ 0.20% (w/w) |
| Thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) | ≤ 0.30% (w/w) |
| Sulfide / Disulfide species | ≤ 0.30% (w/w) |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale-yellow; free from visible particulates |
Typical Specification — 80% Aqueous Solution (example)
| Assay (as TGA) | 80.0% ± 1.0% (w/w) |
|---|---|
| Free acidity (as H2SO4 eq.) | ≤ 0.30% (w/w) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 5 ppm |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 60 |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy, pale-yellow liquid |
Applications & Handling
| Main uses | Thioester formation / thiolation; reducing/chelating agent for plating and surface treatment; chain-transfer agent for acrylics/styrenics |
|---|---|
| Handling | Corrosive and oxidation-sensitive. Avoid strong oxidants and strong acids/bases (risk of H2S or disulfide formation). Ensure good ventilation and appropriate PPE per SDS. |
| Storage | Tightly closed, cool, dry; preferably under inert atmosphere; keep away from oxidants and reactive metals. |
Packaging & Logistics
| Packaging | 1 L / 5 L / 25 L bottles or drums; 200 L drums; 1000 L IBC (solution grades) |
|---|---|
| Ports | Qingdao · Shanghai · Tianjin |
| To quote (please specify) | Grade (neat or solution %), pack size, destination country/port, and required documents |
© Shandong Yinglang Chemical CO.,LTD · Information for B2B technical marketing only.
PACKING AND DELIVERY
Packing and delivery
We offer secure and compliant packaging for a wide range of chemical products, from laboratory bottles (100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL) to customized bulk containers. All shipments follow international hazardous goods standards and include complete documentation such as COA and SDS. With reliable global logistics partners, we ensure safe, fast, and efficient delivery by air, sea, or land according to customer needs.