Product Description of Glycolic Acid CAS#79-14-1
Glycolic Acid is a simple alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and an important organic chemical intermediate widely used in industrial and scientific applications. It features excellent chemical activity and serves as a versatile raw material in the manufacture of various downstream products.
The compound is extensively applied in organic synthesis, surface treatment, cleaning agents, electroplating processes, textile and leather industries, and sterilization formulations. Its unique molecular structure enables effective participation in a wide range of chemical reactions.
In recent years, Glycolic Acid has attracted increasing attention as a raw material for biodegradable polymer production. Polymer materials derived from glycolic acid offer improved environmental compatibility and have promising applications in medical devices, packaging materials, and sustainable material technologies.
With its broad functionality, strong industrial adaptability, and environmentally friendly polymer potential, Glycolic Acid remains an important chemical material for modern manufacturing and advanced material development.
Glycolic acid Chemical Properties
| Melting point | 75-80 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling point | 112 °C |
| density | 1.25 g/mL at 25 °C |
| vapor pressure | 10.8 hPa (80 °C) |
| refractive index | n20/D 1.424 |
| Fp | 112°C |
| storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
| solubility | H2O: 0.1 g/mL, clear |
| pka | 3.83(at 25℃) |
| form | Solution |
| color | White to off-white |
| PH | 2 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. odorless very mild buttery |
| Odor Type | buttery |
| Water Solubility | SOLUBLE |
| Sensitive | Hygroscopic |
| Merck | 144,498 |
| BRN | 1209322 |
| Stability: | Stable. Incompatible with bases, oxidizing agents and reducing agents. |
| InChIKey | AEMRFAOFKBGASW-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| LogP | -1.07 at 20℃ |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 79-14-1(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | Acetic acid, hydroxy-(79-14-1) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Glycolic acid (79-14-1) |
Safety Information
| Hazard Codes | C |
| Risk Statements | 34-22-20 |
| Safety Statements | 26-36/37/39-45-23 |
| RIDADR | UN 3265 8/PG 3 |
| WGK Germany | 1 |
| RTECS | MC5250000 |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HS Code | 2918 19 98 |
| HazardClass | 8 |
| PackingGroup | II |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 79-14-1(Hazardous Substances Data) |
| Toxicity | LD50 orally in rats: 1.95 g/kg, H. F. Smyth et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23, 259 (1941) |
Product Application of Glycolic Acid CAS#79-14-1
Glycolic Acid is a versatile organic chemical raw material widely used in the production of various chemical intermediates and specialty products. It serves as an important building block for the synthesis of compounds such as ethylene glycol derivatives, menthyl glycolate, and quinine glycolate.
In industrial manufacturing, Glycolic Acid is applied in the preparation of tanning agents, hair coloring products, leather and textile dyes, adhesives, metal chelating agents, petroleum demulsifiers, electroplating additives, aluminum surface treatment agents, cellulose fabric cross-linking agents, and stainless steel polishing solutions.
Due to its excellent cleaning and chelating properties, Glycolic Acid is also widely used in industrial cleaning formulations, including applications in food processing equipment sanitation and livestock facility hygiene management. It can function as a boiler descaling agent, helping control mineral deposits and improve equipment efficiency.
In addition, Glycolic Acid is an important ingredient in cosmetic and personal care formulations, particularly in skincare products, where its alpha-hydroxy acid properties contribute to exfoliating and skin-conditioning applications.
With its multifunctional chemical properties, Glycolic Acid plays a significant role across chemical synthesis, surface treatment, cleaning, agriculture-related applications, and personal care industries.
