Used as a reagent for the detection of metals such as iron, molybdenum, silver, and tin; the ammonium and sodium salts are used in home permanents, the calcium salt as a depilatory. SYN: mercaptoacetic acid.
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thio·gly·col·ic acid also thio·gly·col·lic acid -glī-.käl-ik- n an ill-smelling liquid mercapto acid C2H4O2S that is used as a reagent for ferric iron and esp. in the form of its calcium salt as a depilatory
Medical dictionary. 2011.