glycollic acid
Noun: A colorless, crystalline, water-soluble organic acid. It is the simplest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), occurring naturally in some plants like sugarcane, sugar beets, and unripe grapes. It is widely used in chemical and cosmetic industries.
This term is used primarily in scientific, industrial, and cosmetic contexts to refer to a specific chemical compound. * In chemistry, it is studied for its properties and reactions. * In cosmetics, it is a common ingredient in skincare products for exfoliation. * In industry, it serves as a chemical intermediate.
- Chemistry:
- Cosmetics:
- Natural Occurrence:
- Chemical Properties: Glycollic acid is known for its ability to form esters and polymers. Polyglycolic acid, for instance, is a biodegradable polymer.
- Biochemistry: It is an intermediate in various metabolic pathways, such as photorespiration in plants.
- Glycolate (noun): A salt or ester of glycollic acid.
- Sodium glycolate is used as a chelating agent in cleaners.
- Hydroxyacetic acid (noun): The systematic IUPAC name for glycollic acid.
- Hydroxyacetic acid
- 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid (systematic name)
The term refers exclusively to the specific chemical compound with the formula HOCH₂COOH. It should not be confused with other alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic acid or citric acid, though they share some functional properties.
- a translucent crystalline compound found in sugar cane and sugar beets and unripe grapes