The Stability of Thioglycollate Solutions

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Abstract
The pH of, and amount of oxidation occurring in, thioglycollate solutions is influenced by the method of preparation of the solutions from thioglycollic acid. When heat is employed to effect solution, the oxidation of the resultant thioglycollate increases with increase in pH and temperature of storage. Solutions prepared without heat may exhibit a more alkaline reaction than expected. Storage of such solutions causes a fall in their pH, the extent of which is determined by the temperature and time of storage. The effect of storage at different temperatures upon the oxidation of thioglycollate is not as great with unheated solutions as in heated solutions. Oxidation of thioglycollate is increased by dilution. The dithiodiglycollate, produced on oxidation of thioglycollate, itself undergoes decomposition in alkaline conditions.