Quick Search
o-Phthaldehyde is an aromatic dialdehyde compound widely used as a reagent in analytical chemistry, biochemical assays, and as a functional component in high-level disinfectant formulations.
o-Phthaldehyde readily reacts with primary amines to form intensely fluorescent isoindole derivatives, enabling highly sensitive detection of amino acids and proteins.
o-Phthaldehyde is valued for its reactivity, chromatographic performance, and versatility in both laboratory and industrial applications.
CAS Number: 643-79-8
EC Number: 211-402-2
Molecular Formula: C₈H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 134.13 g/mol
Synonyms: o-Phthaldehyde, o-Phthalaldehyde, Phthaldialdehyde, OPA, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxaldehyde, o-Phthaldehyde, OPA, o-Phthalaldehyde, Ortho-Phthalaldehyde, Ortho Phthalaldehyde, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxaldehyde, 1,2-Diformylbenzene, Benzene-1,2-dicarbaldehyde, Benzene-1,2-dicarboxaldehyde, Benzene-o-dicarboxaldehyde, Benzene-1,2-dialdehyde, Benzene-1,2-dial, Phthalic Dialdehyde, Phthaldialdehyde, o-Phthalic Dialdehyde, Ortho-Phthalic Dialdehyde, o-Benzene Dialdehyde, 1,2-Benzene Dialdehyde, Aromatic Dialdehyde OPA, Aromatic Dialdehyde Disinfectant, OPA Disinfectant, OPA Sterilization Agent, OPA High-Level Disinfectant, OPA Instrument Disinfectant, OPA Medical Equipment Disinfectant, OPA Endoscope Disinfectant, OPA Cold Sterilant, OPA Sterilant, OPA Biocidal Agent, OPA Microbicidal Solution, OPA Antimicrobial Agent, OPA Hospital Disinfectant, OPA Clinical Disinfectant, OPA Specialty Disinfectant, OPA Chemical Disinfectant, OPA Process Disinfectant, OPA Medical Grade Disinfectant, OPA Healthcare Disinfectant, OPA High-Efficacy Disinfectant, OPA High-Level Instrument Disinfectant, Dialdehyde Disinfectant, Aromatic Dialdehyde Sterilant
APPLICATIONS
o-Phthaldehyde is used in analytical chemistry.
o-Phthaldehyde is employed as a derivatization reagent for amino acids.
o-Phthaldehyde is widely used in HPLC and fluorimetry.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in biochemical research.
o-Phthaldehyde allows detection of peptides and proteins at low concentration.
o-Phthaldehyde supports high-sensitivity assay methodologies.
o-Phthaldehyde is applied in disinfectant systems.
o-Phthaldehyde serves as a component in high-level medical sterilants.
o-Phthaldehyde is used for disinfecting endoscopes and surgical instruments.
o-Phthaldehyde is used as a chemical intermediate.
o-Phthaldehyde participates in condensation and reduction reactions.
o-Phthaldehyde contributes to the synthesis of specialty aromatic compounds.
o-Phthaldehyde is utilized in polymer and resin chemistry.
o-Phthaldehyde supports crosslinking and structural modification.
o-Phthaldehyde enhances material performance characteristics.
o-Phthaldehyde is used as a high-level disinfectant for medical instruments.
o-Phthaldehyde allows disinfection of heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes.
o-Phthaldehyde supports standardized reprocessing cycles in sterile units.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in gastroenterology clinics.
o-Phthaldehyde disinfects duodenoscopes, colonoscopes, and gastroscopes.
o-Phthaldehyde reduces infection risks in reprocessed endoscopic instruments.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in bronchoscopic instrument reprocessing.
o-Phthaldehyde is compatible with complex channels and lumens.
o-Phthaldehyde maintains surface wettability during disinfection.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in dental sterilization workflows.
o-Phthaldehyde disinfects surgical handpieces and dental mirrors.
o-Phthaldehyde reduces contamination in dental treatment rooms.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in ophthalmic surgical centers.
o-Phthaldehyde is compatible with delicate microsurgical tools.
o-Phthaldehyde provides residual antimicrobial efficacy during drying.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in outpatient surgical clinics.
o-Phthaldehyde shortens turnaround time for semi-critical instruments.
o-Phthaldehyde enables compliance with infection control regulations.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in analytical chemistry as a derivatization reagent.
o-Phthaldehyde reacts with primary amines to form fluorescent isoindoles.
o-Phthaldehyde enhances sensitivity in amino acid quantification.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in HPLC workflows for protein analysis.
o-Phthaldehyde supports detection of trace peptides in biological samples.
o-Phthaldehyde provides high selectivity for primary amine targets.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in LC-MS sample preparation.
o-Phthaldehyde improves signal intensity in mass spectrometric analysis.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in metabolomics research involving amine metabolites.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in fluorescence-based food chemistry assays.
o-Phthaldehyde enables detection of amino acid content in food matrices.
o-Phthaldehyde supports quality control in protein-rich food products.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in environmental testing laboratories.
o-Phthaldehyde assists in quantifying amines in wastewater treatment systems.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in atmospheric amine monitoring studies.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in forensic toxicology laboratories.
o-Phthaldehyde provides fluorescent tagging of biological samples.
o-Phthaldehyde enhances trace analyte identification in forensic evidence.
o-Phthaldehyde is used in occupational exposure monitoring.
o-Phthaldehyde allows quantification of airborne amines in industrial facilities.
o-Phthaldehyde contributes to hazard assessment in chemical manufacturing.
DESCRIPTION
o-Phthaldehyde appears as a pale yellow to off-white crystalline solid.
o-Phthaldehyde may gradually darken due to oxidation or polymerization.
o-Phthaldehyde has a characteristic aromatic odor.
o-Phthaldehyde is slightly soluble in water.
o-Phthaldehyde is soluble in alcohols, acetone, and other polar organic solvents.
o-Phthaldehyde displays strong affinity toward primary amines.
o-Phthaldehyde contains two aldehyde groups in ortho positions on a benzene ring.
o-Phthaldehyde forms fluorescent isoindole adducts with amines.
o-Phthaldehyde enables sensitive fluorescence-based detection chemistry.
o-Phthaldehyde is sensitive to air, moisture, and heat.
o-Phthaldehyde may polymerize or degrade under improper storage.
o-Phthaldehyde requires sealing and light protection to maintain purity.
o-Phthaldehyde is an aromatic dialdehyde consisting of two aldehyde groups in the ortho position on a benzene ring.
o-Phthaldehyde is also referred to as OPA or o-Phthalaldehyde in technical literature.
o-Phthaldehyde appears as a pale yellow to white crystalline solid.
o-Phthaldehyde forms reactive aqueous solutions used for disinfection and analytical chemistry.
o-Phthaldehyde exhibits strong reactivity toward primary amines.
o-Phthaldehyde produces fluorescent isoindole derivatives in derivatization reactions.
o-Phthaldehyde is widely used in medical and analytical environments.
o-Phthaldehyde replaces glutaraldehyde in many high-level disinfection applications.
o-Phthaldehyde provides favorable odor and vapor characteristics compared to glutaraldehyde.
o-Phthaldehyde is sensitive to oxidation and polymerization.
o-Phthaldehyde must be stored in sealed containers away from heat and light.
o-Phthaldehyde requires proper ventilation during handling due to occupational exposure limits.
o-Phthaldehyde disposal is regulated due to environmental considerations.
o-Phthaldehyde is valued for its combination of disinfectant power and analytical specificity.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₈H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 134.13 g/mol
Appearance: Pale yellow to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: Mild aromatic odor
Density: ~1.26 g/cm³ (solid)
Melting Point: ~54–56 °C
Boiling Point: ~315–320 °C (decomposes)
Solubility in Water: Slight (~1–2 g/L at room temperature)
Solubility in Alcohols: Freely soluble
Solubility in Acetone: Soluble
Vapor Pressure: Low at ambient temperature
Flash Point: >160 °C (closed cup)
Thermal Stability: Decomposes at elevated temperatures
Chemical Reactivity: Highly reactive with primary amines
Photochemical Behavior: Darkens and degrades upon light exposure
Storage Sensitivity: Air and oxygen accelerate discoloration
Hygroscopicity: Low
Storage Stability: Good when kept dry, sealed, and protected from light
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
Skin Contact:
Wash skin with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and monitor for irritant responses.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use gloves, goggles, and appropriate PPE.
Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid dust generation.
Avoidance:
Avoid heat, strong bases, and oxidizing agents.
Avoid exposure to moisture and light.
Spill Procedures:
Avoid dust formation.
Collect solid mechanically and clean with suitable solvent.
Dispose according to regulatory requirements.
Storage:
Store tightly sealed in cool, dry containers.
Protect from light, heat, and air exposure.
Maintain inert atmosphere if applicable for long-term storage.
