Description
Technical Specifications of Sodium Thioglycolate 40%
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Sodium Thioglycolate / Sodium Mercaptoacetate |
| Chemical Formula | HSCH₂COONa |
| CAS Number | 367-51-1 |
| Molecular Weight | 114.09 g/mol |
| Concentration | 40% ± 1% (aqueous solution) |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Sulfur-like |
| pH (at 20°C) | 10 – 12 |
| Solubility | Completely soluble in water |
| Boiling Point | ~100°C (aqueous solution) |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Shelf Life | 12 months (sealed container) |
Key Features and Benefits
1. Powerful Chelating Agent
Sodium Thioglycolate binds strongly with metal ions, especially copper, iron, and mercury, making it highly effective for metal removal and complexation in wastewater treatment, electroplating, and industrial cleaning.
2. Excellent Reducing Properties
Its thiol group acts as a potent reducing agent, useful in various redox reactions in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry, and formulation development.
3. Widely Used in Cosmetics
In the cosmetic and personal care industry, it is a key ingredient in depilatory creams, hair perming, and hair removal formulations due to its ability to break disulfide bonds in keratin.
4. Application in Mineral Processing
In mining, particularly in copper flotation, sodium thioglycolate is used as a depressant or collector modifier, improving the separation and recovery of valuable minerals.
Applications Across Industries
-
Metal Cleaning & Surface Treatment
Removes heavy metals from surfaces and prevents re-deposition. -
Water Treatment
Acts as a chelating agent in the removal of toxic heavy metals. -
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Key component in hair perming and depilatory formulations. -
Mining & Flotation
Used in mineral separation and recovery processes. -
Photographic Chemicals
Employed in silver recovery and film development solutions. -
Organic Synthesis
Used as a building block or reagent in thiol-based synthesis.
Packaging and Storage
Sodium Thioglycolate 40% is typically packaged in HDPE drums of 25 kg or 200 kg, with custom packaging available upon request. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed and away from oxidizing agents and direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Sodium Thioglycolate (Sodium Mercaptoacetate) 40% is a highly versatile, industrial-grade chemical used across metallurgy, personal care, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing. With its powerful chelating and reducing properties, this compound is a reliable choice for demanding applications where performance and stability are critical. Whether you’re formulating a cosmetic product or optimizing a metal recovery process, this solution delivers consistent results with safety and efficiency.
