Glycolic Acid (70% Solution)
Technical-Grade Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) — Cleaning, Metal Treatment & Synthesis
CAS: 79-14-1 EC: 201-180-5 Total Acid: ≥ 70%
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid, CAS 79-14-1) is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), carrying both a hydroxyl and a carboxyl group on a compact two-carbon backbone. Its low pKa (3.83) and small molecular size make it a powerful yet readily rinsed, biodegradable acid for descaling and metal cleaning, and a versatile building block across cosmetics, biodegradable polymers, and chemical synthesis. Royalchem supplies this 70% technical-grade aqueous solution as a clear to light-amber liquid, delivered from our Valladolid distribution hub by drum or IBC.
Technical Specifications (COA Data)
| Total Acid (as glycolic) | ≥ 70% |
| Appearance | Clear to light-amber liquid |
| Formic Acid | ≤ 1.0% |
| Chloride (as Cl) | ≤ 1.5% |
| Diglycolic Acid | ≤ 3.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.07% |
| Density (25 °C) | ≈ 1.25 g/cm³ |
*Regulatory: EINECS-listed (EC 201-180-5); REACH-registered; manufactured under ISO 9001. GHS — Danger: causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314, Skin Corr. 1B); harmful if swallowed or inhaled (H302, H332). Handle with acid-resistant gloves, goggles, and face protection. Shipped as a Class 8 corrosive (e.g. UN 3265 for the solution). Readily biodegradable. Always refer to the current SDS.
Key Properties
• Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₃
• Molecular Weight: 76.05
• pKa: 3.83
• Form: 70% aqueous solution
Industrial & Institutional Cleaning
The 70% solution is a high-efficiency, low-corrosivity descaler for boilers, air-conditioning systems, power-plant pipelines, condensers, and heat exchangers. It chelates hard-water and iron scale, rinses away cleanly, and is often blended with formic acid for cost-effective cleaning.
Metal Treatment & Electroplating
Used in metal pickling and as a complexing agent in electroless nickel plating for corrosion resistance and a bright finish; a feedstock for sodium/potassium glycolate plating additives, and a leather-tanning and textile-finishing agent.
Cosmetics, Polymers & Synthesis
Higher-purity grades are the classic AHA for exfoliating and anti-ageing skincare and chemical peels, the monomer for biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) and PLGA sutures and drug-delivery systems, and an intermediate for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and additives.