Glycolic Acid

C₂H₄O₃

IUPAC: 2-Hydroxyacetic acid

CAS: 79-14-1

Overview

Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), widely used in skincare for chemical peeling. It has the best skin penetration of all AHAs.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Carbon C 2 12.0110
Oxygen O 3 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
5.3%
C
Carbon ×2
31.6%
O
Oxygen ×3
63.1%

Uses

  • • Chemical peel (skincare)
  • • Textile dyeing
  • • Food processing
  • • Biodegradable polymer

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The most widely used alpha-hydroxy acid in dermatology, effective at concentrations as low as 5%

Structure

SMILES

C(C(=O)O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
76.05 g/mol
Density
1.4900 g/cm³
Melting Point
75.0 °C
Solubility
very soluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
76.0160
XLogP
-1.1
TPSA
57.5 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Rotatable Bonds
1
Heavy Atoms
5
Complexity
40.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid (C₂H₄O₃) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 2-Hydroxyacetic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid has a molar mass of 76.05 g/mol.
What state is Glycolic Acid at room temperature?
Glycolic Acid is a solid at room temperature.
Is Glycolic Acid organic or inorganic?
Glycolic Acid is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid (C₂H₄O₃) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).