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Name: Glyoxal
CAS Number: 107-22-2
Appearance: Colorless to yellowish liquid with a sharp, irritating odor
Main Uses: Crosslinker in textiles and paper, disinfectants, cosmetics, specialty chemicals
Common Forms: Usually supplied as a 40% aqueous solution
Physical Health Risks: Causes severe eye irritation and possible burns, skin irritation, respiratory discomfort on inhalation, irritation of mucous membranes. At higher exposures, risk of sensitization and allergic reactions rises quickly.
Environmental Risks: Highly toxic to aquatic life, especially in large accidental releases, leading to possible long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.
Major Dangers: Corrosive potential at higher concentrations, flammability is low but not absent, vapors may aggravate asthma and other chronic pulmonary conditions.
Glyoxal Concentration: Typically 40% by weight in water
Impurities: Trace levels of acetic acid or formic acid can appear as byproducts from production
Other Components: Water (used as diluent and solvent), no significant stabilizers in standard commercial batches
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, support breathing as needed, seek medical attention in case of persistent coughing or difficulty.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, persistent irritation needs medical review.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, call for medical assistance without delay.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water only if person is conscious, avoid induced vomiting, consult a medical professional promptly.
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, or foam. Avoid heavy streams of water which might spread contaminated runoff.
Hazards from Combustion: Carbon oxides and irritating fumes release on burning; risk of explosion is low but not zero.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need chemical-resistant gear and positive-pressure breathing apparatus due to toxic fumes.
Spill Response: Contain liquid with inert material like sand or earth; stop spillage at its source.
Personal Safety: Ventilate area, use eye protection, gloves, and chemical suits during clean-up.
Waste Disposal: Collect residue in leak-proof containers; avoid discharge to drains, soil, or water bodies.
Decontamination: Wash contaminated surfaces with excess water, check for chemical residue before declaring area safe.
Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces, avoid splashing and inhalation, implement spill protocols.
Storage: Keep in tightly sealed containers away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers, keep container out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperature changes.
Other Precautions: Separate storage areas for acids and alkalis; label containers clearly, check for leaks frequently.
Workplace Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits, but prudent industry practice limits exposure as much as possible.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation and proper general air flow in work areas.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical splash goggles, butyl rubber or nitrile gloves, protective covers for clothing, and proper shoes.
Respiratory Protection: Use half-mask respirators with organic vapor cartridges if exposure is probable.
Physical State: Liquid
Odor: Sharp, irritating, pungent
Boiling Point: Around 51°C at reduced pressure; aqueous solutions boil at higher temperature
Melting Point: About -14°C for pure glyoxal
Solubility: Fully miscible with water
Density: 1.26 g/cm³ (40% solution)
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature; aqueous solutions limit volatility
pH (for solution): Mildly acidic, usually in the 2-4 range
Chemical Stability: Unstable under prolonged storage, can polymerize in contact with air or light; stable enough at ambient temperature under good storage.
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, ammonia, oxidizing agents, reducing agents.
Decomposition: Releases acrid fumes, carbon oxides, and other harmful gases.
Hazardous Reactions: Polymerization risk especially on contamination by alkalis.
Acute Exposure: Oral rat LD50 around 330 mg/kg; dermal and eye irritation commonly reported.
Sensitization: Documented as both a skin and respiratory sensitizer, high potential for allergic-type responses in frequent handlers.
Long-Term Exposure: Possible kidney and liver effects, and asthma-like symptoms.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, OSHA, or NTP as a confirmed carcinogen, but data remains limited.
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, LC50 for fish and daphnia observed at low ppm concentrations.
Soil and Water Mobility: Readily soluble, disperses quickly if released, presents real risk to groundwater.
Persistence: Breaks down by hydrolysis and microbial action, but acute harm happens faster than degradation.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to persist in animal tissue significantly.
Safe Methods: Chemical incineration under controlled conditions works best; neutralize in water and treat in accordance with local hazardous waste laws.
Sewage: Avoid direct drain disposal, even small quantities harm aquatic systems.
Packing Materials: Rinse empty containers thoroughly before recycling; triple rinsing best practice.
Regulatory Status: Classified as a hazardous material for ground and sea transport.
Packaging: Use UN-approved barrels, drums, or IBCs, ensure no leaks before shipping.
Transport Hazards: Irritation and corrosion for handlers; chemical odors may cause panic if spilled during transit.
Labeling: Clear hazard symbols for irritant and aquatic toxicity.
Major Standards: Listed on international chemical inventories such as TSCA, EINECS, and DSL.
Labeling Requirements: Strict hazard labeling in Europe, North America, and Asia, with full pictograms for irritation and aquatic toxicity.
Community Right-to-Know: Employers must communicate hazards in industrial and laboratory settings using GHS criteria.
Worker Protections: Handlers covered under safety training and PPE requirements; exposure monitoring recommended where used frequently.
