Glutaraldehyde is a pungent, colorless, and oily chemical used as a microbiocide or fungicide. Its IUPAC name is pentane-1,5-dial and has a chemical formula of CH2(CH2CHO)2. Glutaraldehyde is soluble in water, alcohol, and benzene. It is also known as glutaric dialdehyde, glutaral, and 1,3-diformylpropane.
Production:
Pounds of glutaraldehyde are produced either from the atmospheric reaction of cyclohexene or the Diels-Alder reaction of methyl vinyl ether and acrolein. Because it is a dialdehyde, it exists in hydrate form.
Major Uses:
- Disinfectant and sterilizing agent for clinics and hospitals
- Cross-linking and tanning agent
- Embalming fluid and tissue fixative
- Biocide in metalworking fluids and oil pipelines
- Slimicide in paper manufacturing
- Cosmetic preservative
- Intermediate in the production of sealants, resins, dyes, and electrical products
- Pet house disinfectant
- Tissue fixative in histology and pathology labs
- Wart treatment
- Component for grafts and bioprosthesis
Storage and handling:
Wear protective clothing when using the product. Use with a chemical fume hood. Avoid direct physical contact. Store in a cool, dry place and in a tightly sealed container. Keep away from ignition sources and incompatible chemicals.
