Quick Search
CAS Number: 111-30-8
EC Number: 203-856-5
Molecular Formula: C₅H₈O₂
Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol
IUPAC Name: Pentanedial
Chemical Structure: OHC-CH₂-CH₂-CH₂-CHO
Synonyms:
1,5-Pentanedial; Glutaral; Glutaraldehyde; Glutaric dialdehyde; Glutaric aldehyde; Glutardialdehyde; Pentane-1,5-dial; 1,3-Diformylpropane; 1,5-Pentanedione; Glutaralum; Cidex; Sonacide; Ucarcide; Alhydex; Aldesan; Glutarol; Hospex; Sporicidin; Aqucar; Coldcide-25 microbiocide; Fixative 15960, 15970, 15980
Chemical Identity and Properties:
1,5-Pentanedial is the systematic IUPAC name for glutaraldehyde, a five-carbon dialdehyde. The molecule consists of a straight chain of five carbon atoms with aldehyde functional groups at both terminal positions (C-1 and C-5). This structure gives the compound its characteristic reactivity as a bifunctional cross-linking agent. The compound is typically handled as an aqueous solution due to its instability in pure form .
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Odor: Pungent aldehyde odor; detectable at 0.04 ppm
Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol
Melting Point: -15 °C to -21 °C
Boiling Point: 100-101 °C at 760 mmHg; 71-72 °C at 1.33 kPa
Density: 1.058-1.123 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Vapor Density: 3.4-3.45 (air = 1)
Vapor Pressure: 15-17 mmHg at 20-25 °C; 2.27 kPa at 20 °C
Refractive Index: n20/D 1.421
Flash Point: 100 °C (non-flammable)
Autoignition Temperature: 395 °C
pH (aqueous solution): >3.0
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, chloroform, diethyl ether, acetone, ethyl acetate, isopropanol, n-hexane, toluene, and glacial acetic acid
Log P: -0.180
Merck Index: 14,4472
Chemical Structure and Reactivity:
As a dialdehyde, 1,5-pentanedial exhibits unique chemical properties:
Bifunctionality: Two aldehyde groups enable cross-linking between molecules containing amine or thiol groups
Hydration: In aqueous solution, exists as a mixture of free aldehyde, monohydrate, and cyclic hemiacetal forms
Polymerization: Undergoes aldol condensation and polymerization, especially in alkaline conditions
Schiff Base Formation: Reacts with primary amines to form imines (Schiff bases)
Michael Addition: Can participate in Michael addition reactions with nucleophiles
Applications:
1. Healthcare and Medical:
High-level disinfectant: Sterilization of endoscopic instruments, surgical equipment, and heat-sensitive medical devices
Cold sterilant: Active ingredient in products like Cidex for instrument sterilization
Dental practice: Sterilization of dental instruments and barber equipment
X-ray processing: Component in automatic X-ray processing solutions
2. Biological Research:
Tissue fixative: Preserves cellular ultrastructure for electron and light microscopy
Protein cross-linking: Immobilizes enzymes and antibodies for biosensors and affinity chromatography
Histochemistry: Fixative for staining procedures (e.g., Sudan Black B staining)
3. Industrial Applications:
Leather tanning: Cross-links collagen to produce leather with enhanced properties
Water treatment: Biocide for cooling towers, recirculating systems, and wastewater
Oil and gas: Controls microbial growth in drilling muds and produced water
Paper industry: Slimicide for paper and paperboard manufacturing
4. Polymer and Materials Science:
Cross-linking agent: For gelatin, poly(vinyl alcohol), polyheptapeptides, and proteins
Water resistance: Provides water resistance to protein and polyhydroxy compounds
Surface activation: Activates polystyrene and glass for antibody and antigen immobilization
Resin production: Intermediate in the production of resins and coatings
5. Pharmaceutical Applications:
Hyperhidrosis: Topical treatment for excessive sweating
Antifungal: Treatment of dermal mycotic infections
Warts: Treatment of plantar warts
Bullous diseases: Management of blistering skin conditions
6. Cosmetic Industry:
Preservative: Used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations
Fragrance: Functions as a fragrance ingredient
7. Chemical Synthesis:
Intermediate: Synthesis of pseudopelleterine and other heterocyclic compounds
Building block: Precursor for pharmaceutical intermediates and dyestuffs
8. Embalming:
Preservative: Component of embalming fluids for anatomical specimens
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT GLUTARALDEHYDE (1,5-PENTANEDIAL)
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
