Glutaraldehyde, also known as pentanedial or glutaral, is an organic dialdehyde with the chemical formula C₅H₈O₂ and CAS Number 111-30-8. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a sharp, pungent odor. It is widely used as a high-level disinfectant, sterilant, and industrial biocide.

 

Technical Specifications

ITEMS SPECIFICATIONS
Appearance Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Glutaraldehyde Content ≥50%
PH Value 3.1-4.5
Color (Pt/Co) ≤50
Methanol ≤0.5%
Density (g/ml@20℃） 1.127-1.133

 

Package & Storage

  • 25kg or 220kg/plastic drum or 1100kg/IBC tank.
  • Stored in a cool, well-ventilated area; tightly closed containers to minimize polymerization and vapor release.

 

Benefits of Glutaraldehyde

Broad-Spectrum Biocidal Activity:
Effective against bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative), viruses, fungi, mycobacteria, and bacterial spores.

High-Level Disinfection and Sterilization:
Ideal for heat-sensitive medical instruments where heat or steam cannot be used.

Cross-Linking Agent:
Provides strong protein fixation for histology, electron microscopy, and tissue preservation.

Industrial Biocide:
Controls microbial growth in cooling towers, oil & gas pipelines, and process water systems to prevent corrosion and biofouling.

Rapid Action:
Achieves disinfection in minutes to hours depending on concentration and activation.

Compatibility:
Works well in various formulations and systems with proper handling.

 

Applications and Uses of Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde serves critical roles across multiple industries:

Healthcare and Medical

  • High-level disinfectant and cold sterilant for heat-sensitive instruments (endoscopes, bronchoscopes, dialysis equipment, surgical tools).
  • Used in activated solutions (e.g., 2% concentration) for immersion disinfection.

Laboratory and Histology

  • Tissue fixative in electron microscopy, light microscopy, and histochemistry.
  • Cross-linking reagent for proteins and biological samples.

Industrial and Water Treatment

  • Biocide in cooling towers, recirculating water systems, air washers, and pasteurizers to control algae, bacteria, and biofilms.
  • Microbial control in oil & gas operations (pipelines, fracking fluids, storage tanks) to prevent sulfate-reducing bacteria and corrosion.

Other Industrial Uses

  • Leather tanning agent for softening and mold resistance.
  • Preservative in metalworking fluids, paper production, and textile processing.
  • Hardener in X-ray film developers.
  • Sanitizer in animal housing, poultry facilities, and aquaculture.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the primary applications of Glutaraldehyde?
A: Glutaraldehyde is primarily used as a high-level disinfectant/sterilant for medical instruments, a tissue fixative in labs, a biocide in industrial water treatment and oil & gas, and a tanning agent in leather processing.

Q: How should Glutaraldehyde solutions be activated for disinfection?
A: Commercial glutaraldehyde is supplied acidic for stability. For high-level disinfection, activate with an alkaline buffer (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) to raise pH to ~7.8–8.0, optimizing biocidal efficacy.

Q: What safety precautions are needed when handling Glutaraldehyde?
A: Use PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators), ensure good ventilation or enclosed systems, avoid skin/eye contact and inhalation.

Q: Does Glutaraldehyde have environmental concerns?
A: Yes, it is toxic to aquatic life. Prevent release into waterways and dispose according to local hazardous waste regulations.

 

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