Thiolactic acid

CAS: 79-42-5

Overview

Thiolactic acid (CAS 79-42-5 ), also known as alpha-mercaptopropionic acid, is a sulfur-containing organic acid used across pharmaceutical synthesis, personal care manufacturing, and industrial processing.

Its thiol and carboxylic acid groups make it a reactive intermediate for building complex molecules and a functional agent in formulation chemistry. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a key intermediate.

It is used in the synthesis of active ingredients and chiral building blocks where precise stereochemistry is required. Personal care formulators use it in hair waving and straightening products for styling.

Controlled reduction of disulfide bonds in keratin enables permanent styling effects. Leather processors apply it during hide treatment to modify protein structure and improve softness and dye uptake.

In textile processing, it supports fiber preparation and finishing steps where controlled pH and reducing conditions are needed. Thiolactic acid is supplied as a liquid, typically at 80–85% aqueous solution.

Higher purity grades are available for pharmaceutical applications. Technical-grade material is standard for industrial textile and leather uses. Pharmaceutical-grade supply is available for specific customers.

This supply is for customers requiring documentation aligned with GMP manufacturing standards. The material ensures high performance across diverse industrial, cosmetic, and medicinal chemical applications.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	12 °C
Boiling Point	91 °C @ Press: 9 Torr
Density	1.193 g/cm³ @ Temp: 19.2 °C
Flash Point	190 °F
Appearance	Clear colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Color	Clear colorless to slightly yellow
Odor	at 0.01 % in propylene glycol. meaty sulfurous roasted
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	MISCIBLE
Vapor Pressure	1.7 hPa (20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.481(lit.)
pH	2 (H2O, 20℃)(undiluted)
Log P	1.15 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS06 Hazard Statements H301 Toxic if swallowed H311 Toxic in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H330 Fatal if inhaled Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. 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. 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. P320 Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label). P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. 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. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+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	29309070
UN Number	2936
ADR Class	6.1
Packing Group	II
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Textile, Leather & Paper Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Personal Care & Cosmetics