What is Thioglycolate?
Thioglycolate, also known as thioglycolic acid or mercaptoacetic acid, is an organosulfur compound with the formula HOCH2CS2H. It is a colorless viscous liquid with a strong unpleasant odor. It has a carboxylic acid and a thiol functional group attached to a methylene bridge. The name is derived from "thiol" referring to the sulfhydryl functional group and "glycolic acid" referring to the structure.
Uses of It in Hair Relaxers and Straighteners
One of the major uses of it is in hair relaxers and straightening products. It works by breaking the sulfur-hydrogen bonds in the hair structure, allowing the hair strands to be rearranged and straightened. During the hair relaxing process, it penetrates the hair cuticle and breaks the cystine disulfide bonds between the keratin protein chains inside the hair follicle. This causes the internal hair structure to relax and become straight and smooth. When heat is applied after applying the relaxer cream containing it, it helps the bonds to re-form in a straightened configuration, resulting in straightened and glossy looking hair.
Uses of It in Permanent Waving
It is also commonly used as an active ingredient in permanent waving or curling solutions for hair. During the permanent waving or perming process, it works similarly by breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair proteins. This allows the stylist to rearrange and restyle the hair strands into tight curls and waves by wrapping them onto perm rods or rollers. Upon the application of heat or a neutralizing solution, the broken bonds reform in the new curled shape imparted by the rods or rollers, giving long-lasting curls and waves to the hair. The reducing properties of thioglycolate are key to achieving the perm effect in hair.
Uses in Scalp Treatments
Some specialized hair treatments and products targeting specific scalp and hair issues also contain it. For example, thioglycolate lotions and solutions are used in certain scalp treatments and hair removal creams. Its keratin-dissolving reducing properties help exfoliate the scalp and dissolve dead skin cells accumulated on the scalp surface. This improves scalp health, treats dandruff and flakiness, and encourages new hair growth. Its solutions are also formulated in certain depilatory or hair removal creams due to its ability to break bonds within the hair structure and dissolve hair for a longer period.
Uses in Leather Manufacturing
In leather manufacturing and tanning processes, it serves as a lubricating and conditioning agent. It provides suppleness and flexibility to leather by penetrating deep within the inner layers. It helps preserve the collagen structure during tanning by keeping the fibers moist and lubricated. This makes the finished leather soft, non-brittle and less prone to cracking over time. Various thioglycolate-based compounds are incorporated into leather conditioning and finishing solutions used in leather shoe, automobile seat and furniture manufacturing.
Uses in Metal Degreasing
The thiol group in it enables it to act as a strong reducing agent and help reduce, dissolve and remove grease, oil and other contaminants from metal surfaces. Formulated cleaning solutions containing thioglycolate or its salts are commonly used in metal degreasing and chemical cleaning processes employed in metal fabrication, automotive component manufacturing, and other industrial sectors. Its solutions effectively remove dirt, grease deposits, contaminants and pre-existing coatings from metals prior to painting, plating or other surface treatments.
Uses in Photography
In darkroom photography, it has been used as an developing agent in some black-and-white film developers. Its ability to reduce silver halides in photographic film enabled it to effectively develop latent film images in processing solutions. While most modern commercial developers use alternative chemicals, certain specialty formulae employed by hobbyist or art photographers may still contain thioglycolate. It functions as a developing agent by reducing silver halide crystals exposed to light on film, converting them into metallic silver grains that form the black-and-white photograph image.
Uses in Metal Plating Processes
The metal chelating properties of it make it useful in some metal plating and electroplating processes as well. Sodium thioglycolate or other salts are added to plating baths containing metals like nickel, copper, tin etc. to help control plating rates. As a chelating agent, it binds to metal ions in solution and facilitates an even deposition of thin, smooth metal coatings onto parts during electroplating. This results in high quality plated finishes on components used in electronics, metal finishing and other industries.
Health and Safety Considerations
While it has diverse commercial uses, certain health and safety precautions must be followed when handling it. As the vapor contains strong reducing properties, it can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract on direct contact. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Safety datasheets advise use of protective gloves, eyewear and adequate ventilation in manufacturing facilities and salons where its formulations are utilized. Its disposal requires following hazardous waste regulations due to reactivity. However, in finished products and diluted forms, the risks are mitigated. With proper safety practices in place, it continues serving industries worldwide as a beneficial processing agent.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it