Chemical Properties
clear solution
Uses
Contains variable amounts of polymer.1
Uses
Cross-linking agent for gelatin,1,2 poly(vinyl alcohol),3 and polyheptapeptides.4
Uses
Glutaraldehyde is used to disinfect medical and dental equipment. Glutaraldehyde is also used for industrial water treatment and as a preservative.
Uses
Recommended for techniques demanding high purity.
Definition
ChEBI: A dialdehyde comprised of pentane with aldehyde functions at C-1 and C-5.
General Description
Light yellow liquid. Mixes with water.
Reactivity Profile
GLUTARALDEHYDE may discolor on exposure to air. GLUTARALDEHYDE SOLUTION(111-30-8) polymerizes on heating. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. GLUTARALDEHYDE SOLUTION(111-30-8) polymerizes in the presence of water.
Air & Water Reactions
Polymerizes in the presence of water.
Health Hazard
Contact with liquid causes severe irritation of eyes and irritation of skin. Chemical readily penetrates skin in harmful amounts. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach.
Potential Exposure
Glutaraldehyde is used in leather
tanning; in embalming fluids; as a germicide; as a
cross-linking agent for protein and polyhydroxy materi als; as a fixative for tissues; and as an intermediate.
Buffered solutions are used as antimicrobial agents in
hospitals.
Fire Hazard
Literature sources indicate that this chemical is nonflammable.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, includ ing resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN2810 Toxic liquids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical
Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Water contact forms a polymer solution.
A strong reducing agent. Incompatible with strong acids;
caustics, ammonia, amines, and strong oxidizers. Note:
Alkaline solutions of glutaraldehyde (i.e., activated glutar aldehyde) react with alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines,
and proteins.
Description
Glutaraldehyde is a well-known sensitizer among
cleaners and health workers. It is also found in X-ray
developers products.
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinera tor equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Biochem/physiol Actions
Glutaraldehyde is an effective protein crosslinker and finds application in techniques like enzyme immobilisation microscopy, histochemistry and cytochemistry. It exists in different forms under acidic or neutral conditions. It is a biocide widely used as a disinfectant in hospitals and industries and is toxic to aquatic organisms. Its allergic nature leads to hypersensitivity reactions. Contact of glutaraldehyde vapors in endoscopy contributes to Colitis.
Purification Methods
Likely impurities are oxidation products-acids, semialdehydes and polymers. It can be purified by repeated washing with activated charcoal (Norit) followed by vacuum filtration, using 15-20g charcoal/100mL of glutaraldehyde solution. Distil it at 60-65o/15mm, discarding the first 5-10%, then dilute with an equal volume of freshly distilled water at 70-75o, using magnetic stirring under nitrogen. The solution is stored at low temperature (3-4o), in a tightly stoppered container, and protected from light. Standardise by titration with hydroxylamine. [Anderson J Histochem Cytochem 15 652 1967, Beilstein 1 IV 3659.]
