what is Glutaraldehyde?

Glutaraldehyde is an organic compound with the chemical formula $C_5{H}_8{O}_2$

. Here is a detailed introduction:

Basic Information

• Synonyms: 1,5 - Pentanedial.

• Appearance: Colorless or light - yellow transparent liquid.

• Melting point: - 15 ºC.

• Boiling point: 187 - 189 ºC (decomposes).

• Density: 1.063 g/cm³.

• Refractive index: 1.450 (20 ºC).

• Solubility: Soluble in water, and easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.

Chemical Properties

Glutaraldehyde is chemically active, prone to polymerization and oxidation, and reacts with compounds containing active oxygen and nitrogen - containing compounds. Its reaction with proteins is mainly the reaction between the carbonyl group and the amino group in the protein molecule. Among the known aldehydes, glutaraldehyde is one of the best protein cross - linkers.

Applications

• Medical field: It is widely used as a bactericide and disinfectant in the medical field, used for the disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments, endoscopes and other equipment. Usually, it takes 10 hours to achieve the sterilization effect, and 30 minutes to achieve the disinfection effect.

• Industrial field: It is used in oil and gas recovery operations, pipeline treatment, wastewater treatment and other fields. For example, in the oil and gas industry, it can be used to disinfect and sterilize equipment and pipelines to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

• Laboratory field: In electron and optical microscopy, glutaraldehyde is commonly used as a tissue fixative. It can fix tissue samples, maintain the structure and morphology of cells, and is convenient for subsequent observation and research.

• Other aspects: It can also be used as a food industry processing aid, a tanning agent, a wood preservative, and a raw material for polymer synthesis. For example, in the food industry, it can be used for the disinfection of fruits and vegetables; in the leather industry, it can be used to tan leather to improve the quality and durability of leather.

Preparation Methods

There are various synthesis methods for glutaraldehyde, including the pyridine method, the pentanediol oxidation method, the reduction method, the pyran method, the cyclopentene oxidation method, etc. Among them, the pyran method has mature technology, mild reaction conditions, simple operation, good product quality, high yield, and little environmental pollution, which is suitable for industrial production.

Safety and Storage

Glutaraldehyde is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals, and can cause bronchitis and pulmonary edema. When operating, appropriate protective clothing, gloves, and goggles or masks should be worn, and the workplace should be well - ventilated. It should be sealed and stored in a cool, dry place, or sealed with argon and stored in the dark below 0 ºC. The storage place should be kept away from oxidants.