Thioglycolic Acid & Esters

Thioglycolic acid HSCH₂COOH

Thioglycolic acid (TGA), was first developed in the early 1940's as an active material for cold wave permanents and depilatories. TGA soon found major use as a key raw material in the manufacture of organotin stabilizers for PVC. Other applications in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, leather processing, and oil field chemicals soon followed. TGA continues to be used in the cosmetics area particularly for depilatories and hair straightening. TGA can also be used as a water soluble chain transfer agent for certain acrylic polymers. In the oil field area, its anti-corrosive properties are particularly useful in down-hole applications.

TGA's unique properties make it an ideal candidate for a wide variety of chemical reactions including addition, elimination, or cyclization reactions. TGA's sulfur group will react in the presence of bases, acids, ketone groups or organic halogens. In the presence of alcohols or amines, the carboxylic group will react preferentially.

TGA esters

The esters of TGA, including 2-ethyl hexyl mercaptoacetate (2EHMA) and isooctyl mercaptoacetate (IOMA), are key raw materials because they are able to react as regular mercaptans, remain stable for longer lengths of time, and provide a useful route to heterocylic compounds. 2EHMA and IOMA are also key intermediates in the manufacture of tin stabilizers for PVC.

As a leading producer of TGA and its esters, both in the United States and Europe, Arkema is ready to be your global supplier.

Please feel free to contact us to answer your questions about Arkema's Thioglycolic Acid & Esters. Send your e-mail requests to arkema.phil-oc-customer-service@arkemagroup.com and your request will be responded to immediately.

For pricing and availability questions please contact:
Thomas Lusch
Account Representative
(215) 419- 7041