Acids & Salts Available — Bulk Only

Glycolic Acid 70% (Hydroxyacetic Acid, GA)

GA
CAS 79-14-1 · Formula C2H4O3 · MW 76.05 g/mol

High-strength alpha-hydroxy acid that descales, etches, and acidulates across metal-cleaning and textile lines. Used industrially to clean metals and dairy/oilfield equipment, in textile dyeing/finishing and leather tanning, in adhesives and electroplating, and as a pH adjuster in personal-care formulations.

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UN Number
UN 3265
Hazard Class
Class 8
HS Code
2918.19
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
pH Adjustment · Cleaning / Degreasing
Functional Roles
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Metal cleaning: Acid cleaning and descaling of metals and equipment
  • Textile & leather: Dyeing, finishing, and tanning processing aid
  • Electroplating: Bath additive and surface preparation
  • Adhesives: Acid component in adhesive manufacture
  • Personal care: pH adjuster/acidulant in formulations
Physical Properties
Melting Point
79.5 °C
Boiling Point
100 °C
Density
1.49 at 25 °C/4 °C
Solubility
Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether
Vapor Pressure
0.02
pH
pH = 2.5 (0.5%); 2.33 (1.0%); 2.16 (2.0%); 1.91 (5.0%); 1.73 (10.0%)
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 8 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 3265
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 8
Proper Shipping NameCorrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2918 . 19
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.18
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2918.19
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
79-14-1
Molecular Formula
C2H4O3
Molecular Weight
76.05 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2-hydroxyacetic acid
INCI Name
GLYCOLIC ACID
PubChem CID
InChI Key
AEMRFAOFKBGASW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
glycolic acid 2-Hydroxyacetic acid hydroxyacetic acid Hydroxyethanoic acid Glycollic acid glycolate alpha-Hydroxyacetic acid 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid Kyselina glykolova Kyselina hydroxyoctova GLYCOLLATE OceanBlu Barrier
Full Description

Aqueous solution (70%) of glycolic acid, the smallest alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid (CAS 79-14-1, C2H4O3). Used industrially to clean metals and dairy/oilfield equipment, in textile dyeing/finishing and leather tanning, in adhesives and electroplating, and as a pH adjuster in personal-care formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is glycolic acid 70% used for?

Glycolic Acid 70% (aqueous solution of the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, CAS 79-14-1, C2H4O3) is used industrially for acid cleaning and descaling of metals and dairy/oilfield equipment, in textile dyeing/finishing and leather tanning, in electroplating baths, in adhesive manufacture, and as a pH adjuster/acidulant in personal-care formulations.

Is glycolic acid an acid or an alcohol?

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid, meaning it has both a carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl (alcohol) group on the same molecule. Its acidic carboxyl group drives its descaling and pH-adjusting applications.

Is glycolic acid 70% water soluble?

Yes. Glycolic acid is fully miscible with water, and the 70% grade is itself an aqueous solution, making it convenient to dilute into cleaning, plating, and processing baths.

How should glycolic acid 70% be shipped and handled?

It ships as a corrosive solution under UN 3261 (HS 2918.19); confirm current DOT packing group and handling requirements on the SDS before transport. RawSource supplies it in bulk drums, totes, and IBCs to manufacturers.

What is the cost of bulk glycolic acid 70%?

Pricing is volume-dependent and quoted per order; RawSource supplies the 70% solution in drum, tote, and IBC quantities to industrial buyers. Request a bulk quote with your target volume and packaging, and CoA and SDS are available on request.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.