Title: Glycolic Acid
CAS Registry Number: 79-14-1
CAS Name: Hydroxyacetic acid
Synonyms: hydroxyethanoic acid
Molecular Formula: C2H4O3
Molecular Weight: 76.05
Percent Composition: C 31.59%, H 5.30%, O 63.11%
Line Formula: HOCH2COOH
Literature References: Constituent of sugar cane juice. Made by the action of NaOH on monochloroacetic acid; also by electrolytic reduction of oxalic acid.
Review: Sales brochure on hydroxyacetic acid from E. I. du Pont.
Properties: Odorless, somewhat hygroscopic crystals, mp 80°. pK (25°) 3.83. Sol in water, methanol, alcohol, acetone, acetic acid, ether. pH of aq solns: 2.5 (0.5%); 2.33 (1.0%); 2.16 (2.0%); 1.91 (5.0%); 1.73 (10.0%). LD50 orally in rats: 1.95 g/kg, H. F. Smyth
et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23, 259 (1941).
Melting point: mp 80°
pKa: pK (25°) 3.83
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 1.95 g/kg, H. F. Smyth
et al., J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol. 23, 259 (1941)
CAUTION: Mild irritant to skin, mucous membranes.
Use: In the processing of textiles, leather, and metals; in pH control, and wherever a cheap organic acid is needed, e.g. in the manuf of adhesives, in copper brightening, decontamination cleaning, dyeing, electroplating, in pickling, cleaning and chemical milling of metals.
