Glyoxal (CAS 107-22-2) is a versatile organic dialdehyde compound, also known as ethanedial or oxalaldehyde, with the molecular formula C₂H₂O₂ and a molecular weight of 58.04 g/mol. It is most commonly supplied and used as a stable 40% aqueous solution, appearing as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odor.
As the smallest dialdehyde, Glyoxal serves as a highly reactive cross-linking agent, intermediate, and functional additive across multiple industries. Its dual aldehyde groups enable efficient reactions with amines, proteins, cellulose, and other compounds, delivering enhanced performance in final products.
Key Properties
- CAS Number: 107-22-2
- Purity (typical commercial): 40% aqueous solution
- Appearance: Clear colorless to pale yellow liquid
- Density: Approximately 1.265 g/mL at 25°C
- Boiling Point: ~104°C (for 40% solution)
- Melting Point: -14°C to 15°C (depending on form)
- Solubility: Fully miscible with water
- Reactivity: Highly reactive bifunctional aldehyde, biodegradable
Primary Applications
Glyoxal’s cross-linking and chemical reactivity make it essential in modern manufacturing:
- Textile Industry — Used as a formaldehyde-free cross-linking agent for cotton and cellulose fabrics, providing wrinkle resistance, shrinkage control, crease recovery, and dimensional stability. It improves fabric durability while meeting low-formaldehyde or eco-friendly standards.
- Paper and Packaging Industry — Acts as a wet-strength additive and starch cross-linker in paper production. Enhances paper strength, printability, and resistance to moisture in specialty papers, tissue, and packaging materials.
- Oil and Gas / Drilling Fluids — Employed for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) scavenging and corrosion control in drilling operations. Improves fluid stability and protects equipment in harsh downhole environments.
- Coatings and Resins — Intermediate for producing low-formaldehyde amino crosslinking resins used in powder coatings, can coatings, and coil coatings, resulting in more flexible and durable films.
- Other Uses — Leather tanning (protein cross-linking), disinfection/biocidal formulations, pharmaceutical intermediates (e.g., imidazole-based drugs), wood hardening for moisture resistance, and biochemical applications (e.g., nucleic acid denaturation).
Advantages
- Low-formaldehyde alternative to traditional cross-linkers
- Excellent reactivity and efficiency at low concentrations
- Readily biodegradable
- Versatile across aqueous-based systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Glyoxal mainly used for?
Glyoxal is primarily used as a cross-linking agent in textiles for wrinkle-resistant fabrics, in paper manufacturing for wet-strength properties, and in oilfield applications for H₂S scavenging and corrosion inhibition.
Is Glyoxal a replacement for formaldehyde?
Yes, Glyoxal is widely recognized as a safer, lower-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free alternative in textile finishing, paper wet-strength resins, and coatings, helping manufacturers meet stricter environmental and regulatory requirements.
What concentration is commercial Glyoxal typically supplied in?
The most common and stable form is 40% aqueous solution, which is easy to handle, store, and incorporate into industrial processes.
How does Glyoxal improve textile performance?
It reacts with hydroxyl groups in cellulose fibers to form stable cross-links, reducing fabric swelling, enhancing crease recovery, and providing permanent press properties without high formaldehyde emissions.
Is Glyoxal safe for use in various applications?
Glyoxal is a well-established industrial chemical with defined handling guidelines. It is biodegradable and used in controlled professional settings. Always refer to the latest safety data sheet (SDS) for proper storage, use, and PPE requirements.
Can Glyoxal be used in eco-friendly or sustainable formulations?
Yes, its biodegradability and role as a low-VOC, formaldehyde-alternative cross-linker make it suitable for greener textile, paper, and coating products.
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