Overview
Potassium thioglycolate (CAS 34452-51-2 ), commonly abbreviated as K-TGA, is the potassium salt form of thioglycolic acid used across cosmetic and industrial processing applications. It functions as a reducing agent and keratin-disulfide bond disruptor.
This chemical enables the modification of protein-based substrates. Procurement teams source it as a more pH-compatible alternative to ammonium thioglycolate in formulations requiring tighter alkalinity control.
In professional hair depilation and chemical straightening products, K-TGA breaks disulfide bonds in hair keratin to reshape or remove the fiber structure. This makes it a critical component in salon-grade hair treatments.
Leather processing operations use it as a depilatory agent to remove hair from hides during the beamhouse stage. This application helps in reducing the industrial reliance on traditional sulfide-based chemistries.
Textile processing applications include wool fiber modification, where controlled reduction of cystine linkages alters shrink resistance and surface texture. It also functions as a chelating agent in specific formulations.
The product is utilized where sequestration of metal ions is needed to stabilize the active system. Potassium thioglycolate is supplied as an aqueous solution, with concentration typically ranging around 40–50% active content.
Technical and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly available. Cosmetic-grade material meets purity requirements aligned with personal care manufacturing standards for safety and performance.
Bulk liquid supply in drums or IBC containers is the standard commercial format for industrial buyers. This ensures efficient handling and storage for large-scale manufacturing and processing facilities.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 226-229 °C |
| Density | 1.365[at 20℃] |
| Appearance | Clear faintly pink solution |
| Color | Clear faintly pink |
| Form | Solution |
| Water Solubility | 785.8g/L at 20℃ |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.001Pa at 25℃ |
| Log P | -2.99 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H290 May be corrosive to metals H301 Toxic if swallowed H312 Harmful in contact with skin H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H319 Causes serious eye irritation H330 Fatal if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure Precautionary Statements P234 Keep only in original packaging. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P284 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P320 Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label). P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P390 Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. P405 Store locked up. P406 Store in a corrosion-resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29309099 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 34452-51-2
- EC Number
- 252-038-4
- Mol. Weight
- 130.21
- HS Code
- 29309099
- Category
- Organic Acids