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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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
Standard Packaging:
25 kg or 250 kg HDPE drums, or IBC totes (approx. 1250 kg). Distributed by Royalchem Spain from our Valladolid hub. Shelf life 12 months in original sealed packaging.
Storage Conditions:
Store in tightly sealed acid-resistant containers in a cool, ventilated area, away from bases, oxidising agents, and incompatible metals. Keep above ~10 °C, as the 70% solution can crystallise or supersaturate when cold; warm gently and mix to re-dissolve before use.