Potassium Thioglycolate

What is Potassium Thioglycolate?

Molecular Formula (Potassium Thioglycolate): C₂H₃KO₂S

Molecular Weight: 130.21 g/mol

Chemical Name: Potassium 2-sulfanylacetate

CAS Number: 34452-51-2

This chemical substance is the potassium salt of Thioglycolic Acid. Another important name for it is Potassium 2-mercaptoacetate. It is an organic potassium salt.

It is less preferred compared to its sister product, Calcium Thioglycolate. This is because Calcium Thioglycolate possesses more effective properties.

Its aqueous solution is approximately 42%.

The biggest difference between it and Calcium Thioglycolate is the lower concentration of the active ingredient. For this reason, the primary cause of the difference between products made with these two raw materials is this concentration difference.

Other Names Are As Follows;

• Potassium Mercaptoacetate
• Potassium Thioglycolate
• Thioglycolic Acid Potassium Salt
• Acetic Acid, Mercapto- monopotassium salt
• Potassium 2-sulfanylacetate

How is Potassium Thioglycolate Produced?

It is obtained by reacting Thioglycolic Acid with a chemical substance that serves as a potassium source. However, detailed information regarding the production process of this chemical substance is not available.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

Physically, it is a liquid chemical with a light pink color.

The melting point is between 226 °C and 229 °C.

Boiling Point: Information is not available.

It has the property of dissolving in water.

Its density is at the level of 1.311 g/cm³.

42% Potassium Thioglycolate contains 30% Thioglycolic acid.

What are the Usage Areas of Potassium Thioglycolate?

• It is a primary component in the manufacture of depilatory creams in the cosmetics industry.
• Some people want their hair to be straight. Potassium Thioglycolate can be used for straightening curly and wavy hair.
• In the manufacture of depilatory creams, it can be used by modifying it with Calcium Thioglycolate. During the use of these products, creams or solutions containing lidocaine are also utilized.
• Depilatory creams can be produced in several forms, such as general cream form, aerosol, and shower cream.
• Potassium Thioglycolate works by breaking down the keratin structure.
• It is a component used in the manufacture of medications produced for the treatment of comedones, blemishes, and acne-prone skin. Calcium Thioglycolate can also be used instead of this compound.
• It is used in the manufacture of special depilatory creams produced for the face and used for facial hair removal.

What Factors Affect Its Prices?

The price of Potassium Thioglycolate is directly dependent on the prices of the raw materials used in its production. As the prices of Acetic acid and potassium sources increase, prices will rise.

Potassium Thioglycolate prices are directly related to its areas of use. With the increase in the number of tanning (solarium) facilities, the price of potassium thioglycolate tends to decrease.

Potassium Thioglycolate distributors have significant effects on price policy. They can keep prices in balance through inventory control regarding price fluctuations.