Sodium Thioglycolate / Sodium Mercaptoacetate < > ≥ 40%

Sodium thioglycolate, also known as sodium mercaptoacetate, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHSCH2CO2. Here’s a brief description:

1. Chemical Structure: Sodium thioglycolate is the sodium salt of thioglycolic acid. It consists of a carboxylic acid group (-CO2Na) attached to a thiol group (-SH).
2. Physical Properties:
   • Appearance: Sodium thioglycolate is typically a white or slightly yellowish crystalline solid.
   • Odor: It may have a slight characteristic odor.
   • Solubility: It is highly soluble in water and forms clear solutions.
3. Synthesis: Sodium thioglycolate is synthesized by neutralizing thioglycolic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
4. Applications:
   • Chemical Processing: Sodium thioglycolate is commonly used in chemical processing, such as in hair straightening, as a reducing agent to break disulfide bonds in hair proteins.
   • Depilatory Creams: It is also a key ingredient in depilatory creams and lotions, where it helps weaken and dissolve hair shafts for hair removal.
   • Metal Processing: Sodium thioglycolate is used as a complexing agent in metal processing, particularly in the selective flotation of minerals during ore processing.
   • Photography: In photography, it is used in certain developing solutions as a solvent for silver halides.
5. Health and Safety Considerations:
   • Sodium thioglycolate should be handled with care as it can cause skin and eye irritation. Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to sensitization.
   • Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, should be used when handling sodium thioglycolate.
6. Environmental Impact:
   • Sodium thioglycolate may have environmental implications if released into water bodies. However, its impact is generally mitigated through proper handling and disposal practices.