Glutardehyde

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Glutardehydeis a potent biocidal agent and chemical sterilant widely used in healthcare, water treatment, and industrial applications. It is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a pungent, sharp odor. Chemically, it is a dialdehyde, primarily valued for its ability to cross-link proteins, making it highly effective as a disinfectant, fixative, and preservative. Typically supplied in concentrations of 25% or 50% aqueous solutions, Glutaraldehyde is used where high-level disinfection is needed—especially against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Its versatility also extends to tanning, laboratory science, and wastewater treatment.

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Category: Disinfectants and Biocides Tags: Biocide, Chemical Sterilizer, Disinfectant, Glutaraldehyde, Sterilizing Agent

Description

Table of Contents

Glutardehyde

Primary Uses

Healthcare & Medical Industry

High-level disinfectant for medical and dental instruments such as endoscopes, surgical tools, and respiratory equipment.
Cold sterilization for heat-sensitive medical devices, replacing autoclaves in certain setups.
Disinfectant in dialysis units, surgical suites, and isolation wards.
Antimicrobial agent in pharmaceutical manufacturing clean rooms.
Preservative in diagnostic kits and laboratory reagents.

Water Treatment & Sanitation

Biocide in cooling towers, paper mills, and industrial water systems to prevent microbial biofilms.
Sewage and effluent treatment for deactivating pathogens in wastewater streams.
Oilfield water treatment to control sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and hydrogen sulfide production.

Chemical & Biotech Industry

Tissue fixative in histology and microscopy for preserving cellular detail in biological specimens.
Cross-linking agent in protein chemistry and collagen stabilization.
Intermediate in organic synthesis of polymers, resins, and pharmaceuticals.
Latex coagulant and hardener in latex-based materials.

Leather Tanning Industry

Pre-tanning and re-tanning agent to stabilize collagen and improve leather durability.
Enhances water resistance and chemical durability of processed hides.

Veterinary and Agricultural Use

Disinfectant for livestock housing, hatcheries, and animal transport equipment.
Footbath and hoof disinfectant for cattle and sheep.
Poultry and swine farm sanitation to control disease outbreaks.

Secondary Uses

Cosmetic and Personal Care (Restricted Use)

Trace use as a preservative in some cosmetic formulations, especially nail hardeners (subject to regulation due to sensitization risks).

Laboratory & Research Applications

Cell and virus inactivation in experimental virology and vaccine development.
Fixation for electron microscopy to retain ultrastructural detail in tissues.
Used in biomaterial preparation for medical device coatings and implants.

Funeral Services and Embalming

Used in embalming fluids to fix and preserve cadaver tissues for anatomical study.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Pentane-1,5-dial
Common/Trade Name: Glutaraldehyde
CAS Number: 111-30-8
HS Code: 2912.19.00
Molecular Formula: C₅H₈O₂
Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol
Synonyms:
- Pentanedial
- Glutaral
- 1,5-Pentanedial
- CIDAL™ (trade name)
- Glutarex™
- Glutacide™
- Dialdehyde glutal

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid
Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; pungent, sharp odor
Purity (as solution): Typically 25% or 50% in water
Boiling Point: ~187 °C (pure compound)
Melting Point: −14 °C
Density (25% solution): ~1.06 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohol, and most polar solvents
pH (aqueous solution): ~3.1 to 4.5 (adjustable with buffers)
Stability: Stable when stored in acidic conditions; degrades in alkaline environments

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification:
- Acute Tox. 3 (Inhalation)
- Skin Corr. 1B
- Eye Dam. 1
- Skin Sens. 1
- Aquatic Acute 1
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
Toxicity:
- Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption
- Potential skin and respiratory sensitizer

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Container Type: HDPE drums, IBC tanks, or stainless steel containers
Storage Conditions:
- Store at 10–25 °C in a well-ventilated area
- Protect from light, heat, and alkalinity
Shelf Life: 12–24 months depending on formulation and pH stabilization
Handling Notes:
- Use only in well-ventilated environments
- Avoid contact with alkaline materials which degrade product

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

EPA Registered Biocide: Approved for use in water systems and surface disinfection
FDA Status: Permitted for medical equipment sterilization (when properly rinsed)
EU REACH: Registered and regulated under biocidal product regulations
OSHA PEL: 0.2 ppm (ceiling)
NIOSH REL: 0.2 ppm (ceiling)

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms; strict effluent control needed
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC; may cause genetic damage in high exposures

SAFETY HANDLING ATTRIBUTES

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:
- Impervious gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Chemical-resistant apron
- Respiratory protection in enclosed or high-concentration areas
Handling Guidelines:
- Avoid aerosolization and spills
- Use only in fume hoods or under proper ventilation
- Neutralize spills with bisulfite-based neutralizers
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands and face after use
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with water and soap
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Not highly flammable, but combustible at elevated temperatures
Flash Point: ~93 °C (200 °F)
Extinguishing Media: CO₂, dry chemical, water spray, or foam
Special Precautions:
- Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus
- Avoid runoff to sewers or waterways
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and other toxic vapors