Potassium Thioglycolate Liquid CAS 34452-51-2

Potassium Thioglycolate Liquid – Reducing Agent for Hair Depilation and Industrial Applications

Basic Information

• Product Code: GKL-22025

• CAS Number: 34452-51-2

• Molecular Formula: C₂H₃KO₂S (K·SCH₂COO)

• Molecular Weight: 130.21 g/mol

• Appearance: Reddish clear liquid

• Active Content: ≥43%

• Heavy Metals: ≤10 ppm

• pH (10% solution): ~12

• Solubility: >400 g/L in water (25°C)

Overview
Potassium thioglycolate is the potassium salt of thioglycolic acid, supplied as a clear reddish liquid. It is a powerful reducing agent that rapidly breaks disulfide bonds in keratin, the structural protein of hair and wool. This property makes it a key ingredient in depilatory creams, gels, and permanent waving formulations for hair. Beyond cosmetics, it is used as a complexing agent in photographic developers (silver halide emulsions) and in electroplating baths for copper alloys, where it provides both complexation and redox activity.

Mechanism of Action
The thioglycolate anion (HSCH₂COO⁻) reduces the disulfide bonds (‑S‑S‑) in keratin to thiol groups (‑SH), weakening the hair shaft so it can be easily wiped away. This reaction is pH‑dependent and occurs rapidly in alkaline conditions (pH ~12), making the product highly effective.

Applications

• Cosmetics: Depilatory creams, gels, and lotions (typical concentration 3–5%), as well as permanent wave and hair straightening formulations.

• Photography: Used as a developer and silver complexing agent in photographic emulsions.

• Electroplating: Applied in copper alloy polishing baths to achieve smooth, mirror‑like surfaces.

• Industrial: As a reagent in chemical synthesis and metal surface treatment.

Key Benefits

• Fast and effective reduction of keratin disulfide bonds.

• High water solubility – easy to formulate.

• Multi‑functional – suitable for cosmetic, photographic, and electrochemical applications.

• Provides rapid depilation with minimal skin irritation when used correctly.

Handling and Storage

• Store in tightly sealed containers at temperatures ≤30°C, protected from moisture and strong oxidizers.

• Hygroscopic and sensitive to oxidation; avoid exposure to humidity >60% to prevent degradation to disulfide (oxidation rate ~0.5% per month).

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing) when handling.

• In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Safety

• Strongly alkaline (pH ~12) – causes severe eye irritation (Category 1).

• Oral LD₅₀ (rat): ~500 mg/kg (moderately toxic).

• Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin and eyes.

Packaging
Available in 25 kg, 50 kg, and 200 kg drums. Custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for active content, heavy metals, and pH to ensure consistent quality.