Quick Search
Chemical Structure and Essential Properties of Glutaral
Glutaral is a critical aldehyde known for its superior power in eliminating microorganisms in the fields of industrial and medical disinfection.
This powerful chemical compound stands out as an indispensable active ingredient, particularly in cold sterilization processes and biocidal formulations.
Additionally, it offers a wide range of usage potential in materials science and biotechnological applications thanks to its cross-linking properties.
CAS Number: 111-30-8
EC / EINECS Number: 203-856-5
Chemical Formula: C5H8O2
Molecular Weight: Approximately 100.12 g/mol
Synonyms: Glutaraldehyde, Pentane-1,5-dial, 1,5-Pentanedial, Glutaric Dialdehyde, Glutaric Aldehyde, Pentanedial
Technical Parameters and Physical Data
Appearance: Clear, Colorless or Pale Yellowish Liquid Form
INCI / IUPAC Name: Pentandial / Glutaraldehyde
Boiling Point: Approximately 187 °C (with decomposition)
Melting Point: Approximately -14 °C
Density: Approximately 1.06 g/cm³ (at 20 °C temperature)
Solubility in Water: Completely miscible with water in all proportions (high miscibility)
pH Value: Approximately 3.0 - 4.0 (aqueous solutions with acidic character)
Active Substance Ratio: Commercially offered generally as 25 percent or 50 percent aqueous solutions
Application Field: Medical Instrument Disinfection, Water Treatment Systems, Leather Tanning, and Biocidal Products
Glutaral belongs to the five-carbon dialdehyde class and is a clear liquid compound with a sharp and characteristic odor under room conditions.
The glutaral component can form extremely stable covalent bonds with proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids thanks to its two active aldehyde groups in its molecular structure.
The glutaral substance sets industrial standards in fixing biological tissues and immobilizing enzymes thanks to this unique cross-linking capability.
The glutaral product is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that rapidly penetrates microbial cell walls and nucleic acids, neutralizing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, especially in water-based systems.
The glutaral compound exhibits a powerful disinfection performance by irreversibly blocking intracellular protein synthesis and metabolic enzyme functions of microorganisms.
The glutaral substance is commercially stored generally as aqueous solutions, and its antimicrobial activity can be maximized by adding alkaline activators according to the application field.
Production Processes and Industrial Advantages
Glutaral is typically synthesized on an industrial scale through the ozonolysis of cyclopentadiene or the hydrolysis of acrolein with vinyl acetate following a Diels-Alder reaction.
The glutaral substance provides cost advantage and operational efficiency by showing high microbial efficacy even at low concentrations in production lines and disinfection baths.
The glutaral component offers a fast and reliable cold sterilization alternative on heat-unaffected surfaces of medical devices and surgical instruments.
Glutaral provides effective biocidal protection in controlling sulfate-reducing bacteria in drilling waters and pipelines within the oil and natural gas industry.
The glutaral substance permanently increases the mechanical strength, heat resistance, and water quality of leather by establishing strong bridges between collagen fibers during leather tanning processes.
The glutaral component extends the equipment lifespan and prevents blockages in industrial equipment by inhibiting biofilm formation in pulp and water cooling towers.
Industrial Application Fields and Use Cases
Glutaral is widely utilized as a primary agent in the cold disinfection of surgical instruments, endoscopes, and sensitive medical equipment in hospitals and dental clinics.
The glutaral substance is a powerful water treatment biocide that provides microorganism control in oilfield injection waters, water treatment plants, and process waters in paper mills.
The glutaral component is safely evaluated in tanning high-quality leathers within the leather manufacturing industry, cell tissue fixation in electron microscopy studies, and veterinary hygiene products.
