Glycolic Acid
| Formula: | C₂H₄O₃ |
| CAS Number: | 79-14-1 |
| EC Number (EINECS): | 201-180-5 |
| HS Code: | 29181990 |
| UN Number: | 3261 |
| IUPAC Name: | Hydroxyacetic Acid |
| Also Known As: | Hydroxyethanoic Acid; 2-Hydroxyacetic Acid |
| Molecular Weight, g/mol: | 76.05 |
Typical Specifications
| Appearance: | Colorless to pale-yellow crystalline solid or aqueous solution |
| Odor: | Odorless to mild sour odor |
| Melting Point, °C: | 75–80 (crystalline) |
| Boiling Point, °C: | 100–110 (decomposes in concentrated solution) |
| Density, g/cm³ (at 20°C): | 1.49 (solid) / 1.27 (70% aqueous solution) |
| Flash Point, °C: | 130 (aqueous solution) |
| Solubility: | Miscible with water, alcohols, acetone |
| pH (1% solution): | ~2.0–2.5 |
| Vapor Pressure (at 20°C): | Negligible |
| Purity, %: | 99% (crystalline), 70% (aqueous solution) |
| Grades Available: | Cosmetic, Technical, Industrial |
| Packaging: | 25kg bags (solid), 200kg drums, 1000kg IBC (liquid) |
Applications / Uses
Primary Applications
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Widely used in cosmetic formulations (skin peels, exfoliants, anti-aging creams)
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Ingredient in personal care products (shampoos, lotions, cleansers)
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Intermediate in textile and leather processing (dyeing, tanning, finishing)
Secondary Applications
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Cleaning and descaling agent in industrial and household cleaners
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Precursor in polymer and adhesive formulations
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Used in agriculture as a chelating and pH-adjusting agent
End Industries Served: Cosmetics, Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Leather, Agriculture, Cleaning Chemicals, Adhesives
Safety & Handling Information
Hazard Class (GHS): Corrosive (Category 1), Eye Damage (Category 1), Acute Toxicity (Category 4)
Hazard Statements (H-Codes):
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H302: Harmful if swallowed
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H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
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H332: Harmful if inhaled
Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):
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P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/vapors
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P280: Wear protective gloves/eye protection
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P301 + P330 + P331: IF SWALLOWED – rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting
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P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES – rinse cautiously with water, remove contact lenses if present
Storage Conditions
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Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area
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Keep containers tightly closed
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Avoid exposure to moisture and high temperatures
Transport Information
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ADR/RID: Class 8, UN3261, PG II
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IMDG: Class 8, UN3261, PG II
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IATA: Class 8, UN3261, PG II