Glycolic Acid Definition
On the Definition of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is also a chemical substance. It is an organic compound and belongs to a hydroxy acid. In the molecular structure, it has a carboxyl group ($-COOH $) and a hydroxy group ($-OH $), which are connected to the same carbon atom.

Glycolic acid is colorless to slightly yellow crystalline at room temperature and pressure, hygroscopic, soluble in water, ethanol, acetone and many other solvents, and its aqueous solution is acidic.

In terms of its chemical properties, the carboxyl group gives it acidity, which can neutralize with bases to form corresponding salts; the hydroxyl group can participate in the esterification reaction and form esters with alcohols under appropriate conditions. And because it has both hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, it can undergo its own polycondensation reaction to form polyester compounds.

In the industrial field, glycolic acid has a wide range of uses. Often used as a cleaning agent, it can dissolve metal oxides and other fouls due to its acidity, and it is relatively weak in metal corrosion. It can effectively clean metal surfaces, such as the cleaning of electronic components and precision instruments. In the textile industry, it can be used as a fabric treatment agent to improve the feel and dyeing properties of fabrics. In medicine, it is also used, such as intermediates involved in some drug synthesis, because its special structure helps to build complex drug molecular structures. In the field of cosmetics, glycolic acid is widely used in various skin care products, such as whitening, anti-wrinkle products, etc. The definition of

glycolic acid covers its chemical structure, physical properties, chemical properties and wide range of uses, which is the basis for in-depth understanding and research on glycolic acid.