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HuagongsheHuagongshe Chemistry Print Report · For research reference only
HCID 7860Generated: October 23, 2026

Glyoxal

Oxalaldehyde · Oxaldehyde · ETHANEDIAL · GLYOXA · GLYOXAL SOLUTION · (CHO)2 · Oxal · Ethandial

https://huagongshe.com/en/chemical/7860

Glyoxal molecular structure

Identifiers & Physical Properties

CAS No.107-22-2
Molecular formulaC2H2O2
Average molar mass58.04 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass58.0054793 g/mol
SMILESO=CC=O
InChIKeyLEQAOMBKQFMDFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem CID7860
ChEMBLCHEMBL1606435
ChEBICHEBI:34779
EC No.203-474-9
DTXSIDDTXSID5025364

Chemical & Physical Properties

XLogP-0.4
Topological polar surface area34.1
Hydrogen bond donors0
Hydrogen bond acceptors2
Rotatable bonds1
Heavy atoms4
Formal charge0
Complexity25
pHpH of 40% aqueous solution = 2.1 to 2.72-3 (20°C in H2O)
LogP (partition coefficient)-0.85
OdorMild odoryel. crystals or lt. yel. liq., mild odor
Density1.29 at 68 °F (liquid,40% solution) (USCG, 1999) - Denser than waterwill sink1.14 g/cu cm at 20 °CRelative density (water = 1): 1.271.29 @ 20°C1.265 g/mL at 25 °C
Color/FormYellow prisms or irregular pieces turning white on coolingopaque at 10 °Cvapors are greenYellow crystals or light yellow liquid
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)Sol in anhydrous solventsIn water, miscible at 20 °Cwater: soluble(lit.)
Flash point428 °F (NTP, 1992)>100 °C104°C
Boiling point124 °F at 776 mmHg (NTP, 1992)51 °C at 776 mm Hg104 °C
DecompositionWhen heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Melting point59 °F (NTP, 1992)15 °C for pure glyoxal and approximately -10 °C for the 40% solution-14 °C
Vapor densitygreater than 1.0 (NTP, 1992) (Relative to Air)2.0 (Air = 1)Relative vapor density (air = 1): 1.27>1>1 (vs air)
PolymerizationPolymerizes...on contact with water (violent reaction), or when dissolved in solvents containing water.
Vapor pressure18 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive indexn20/D 1.409
Storage conditions2-8°C
Physical stateLiquid
ColorClear colorless to yellow
Specific heat capacityCp(gas): 1.04 J/(g·K), at 25℃
Merck14,4509
BRN1732463
Henry's law constant4.1×103 mol/(m3Pa) at 25℃, Burkholder et al. (2019)
Exposure limitsACGIH: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
StabilityStability Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Strong reducing agent. May polyermize exothermically. Incompatible with air, water, oxygen, peroxides, amides, amines, hydroxy-containing materials, nitric acid, aldehydes. Corrodes many metals.
Cosmetics Ingredients FunctionsANTIMICROBIALPERFUMING
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)Glyoxal (107-22-2)
InChI1S/C2H2O2/c3-1-2-4/h1-2H
InChIKeyLEQAOMBKQFMDFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES[H]C(=O)C([H])=O
LogP (partition coefficient)-1.15 at 20℃
Indirect Additives used in Food Contact SubstancesGLYOXAL
FDA 21 CFR175.105176.170176.180177.2280177.2800
CAS DataBase Reference107-22-2(CAS DataBase Reference)
EWG's Food Scores6-10
FDA UNII50NP6JJ975
NIST Chemistry ReferenceEthanedial(107-22-2)
EPA Substance Registry SystemGlyoxal (107-22-2)
UNSPSC Code41116105
NACRESNA.52
GHS pictogramGHS07,GHS08
Signal wordWarning
GHS hazard statementsH315-H317-H319-H332-H341
GHS precautionary statementsP201-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340+P312-P305+P351+P338-P308+P313
Target organsRespiratory system
Personal protective equipment (PPE)Eyeshields, Faceshields, Gloves, type ABEK (EN14387) respirator filter
Hazard symbolsXn
Risk statements (R)20-36/38-43-68
Safety statements (S)36/37
UN transport numberUN 1760
Water hazard class (WGK)1
RTECS numberMD2700000
Autoignition temperature545 °F
TSCA inventory statusTSCA listed
Customs code29121900
Storage class8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
Hazard classEye Dam. 1Muta. 2Skin Corr. 1Skin Sens. 1STOT SE 3
Hazardous substances data107-22-2(Hazardous Substances Data)
ToxicityLD50 in rats, guinea pigs (mg/kg): 2020, 760 orally (Smyth)
REACH registrationsActive

Safety & Regulations

GHS classificationWarningH315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]P203, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 1432) of reports.
Regulatory informationChemical: EthanedialEthanedial is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Ethanedial are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)2007/442Status: Active Update: 10-01-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16112Status: Active Update: 30-04-2018 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/24439Glyoxal: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
Other safety informationIMAP assessments - Ethanedial: Human health tier II assessment
DOT labelPoison
Fire hazardsBehavior in Fire: Heat may cause polymerization to a combustible, viscous material. (USCG, 1999)Combustible.
Health hazardsInhalation causes some irritation of nose and,40% solution throat. Contact with liquid,40% solution irritates eyes and causes mild irritation of skinstains skin yellow. (No information available on symptoms of ingestion.) (USCG, 1999)
Hazards summaryA skin and mucous membrane irritant, but less irritating than formaldehydeEmergency treatment: Oxalic acid[HSDB] Glyoxal, a disinfectant, may cause allergic contact dermatitis among healthcare workers. [Marks, p. 339] If left on clothing, can cause reddening of skin[CHRIS] Dust mixtures with air may be explosiveRapidly polymerized on standing, contact with water (violently), and mixing in solvents containing waterA moderate skin and mucous membrane irritant[Merck Index] 40% solution: A skin and eye irritantMay cause skin sensitization[ICSC] The anhydrous form in unstable and only produced in laboratoriesA strong skin sensitizer in a study of 24 humans[Reference #1] Produced as a human metaboliteAlso found in many fermented foods and beveragesAnimal studies have shown the pancreas and kidney as the target organs[Reference #2] A mild skin and severe eye irritantCauses other liver changes and acute tubular necrosis in dermal lethal-dose studies of rabbits[RTECS]
FDA requirementsGlyoxal is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
Reactive groupAldehydesPolymerizable Compounds
EC classificationSymbol: XnR: 20-36/38-43-68S: (2)-36/37Note: B
TSCA requirementsSection 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329.Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Ethanedial is included on this list.
Reactivity AlertsPolymerizableWater-Reactive
Reactivity ProfileGLYOXAL reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing agents such as nitric acid. Polymerizes rapidly even at low temperature if anhydrous [Noller]. Aqueous solutions are more stable but also polymerize on standing. Reacts with itself in the presence of base to give glyconates. Undergoes addition and condensation reactions that may be exothermic with amines, amides, aldehydes, and hydroxide-containing materials. Mixing in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: chlorosulfonic acid, oleum, ethyleneimine, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide [NFPA 1991].
Fire fightingFires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)Use carbon dioxide, foam, powder.
First aid measuresFresh air, rest.Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .
First aidEYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated areatake deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be usedif not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)
Safe storageWell closed.
Storage conditionsWell closed.During storage it may spontaneously polymerize and ignite.
Cleanup methodsCollect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Use face shield. (Extra personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours.)Waste glyoxal resins from textile treatment are biodegraded by pseudomonas using the aqueous resin solution as a substrate.
Nonfire spill responseSMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should keep this material in a tightly closed container under an inert atmosphere, and store it at ambient temperatures. (NTP, 1992)
Disposal methodsSRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air qualitypotential migration in soil or watereffects on animal, aquatic, and plant lifeand conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
Spillage disposalPersonal protection: face shield and filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible.
Preventive MeasuresWhile extent of precautions needed under various types of industrial use is not known with certainty, it would appear reasonable to handle these dialdehydes with certain precautions as used for formaldehyde and other lower molecular weight monoaldehydes. /Dialdehydes//If ingested/: /Get/ fresh air, rest. /If contacted with eyes/: Remove contaminated clothes, rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. /If contacted with skin/: Remove contaminated clothes, rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. /If contacted with eyes/: First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor. /If ingested/: Rinse mouth, refer for medical attention.SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
Isolation and EvacuationExcerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directionsalso, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Eye PreventionWear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Body burdenGlyoxal has been detected in human blood(1).
Ecotoxicity valuesLC50 Leuciscus idus melanotus (Orfe) 460 mg/L/96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/LC50 Leuciscus idus melanotus (Orfe) >680 mg/L/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/LC50 Brachydanio rerio (Zebra danio) 760 mg/L/48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/LC50 Brachydanio rerio (Zebra danio) 1200 mg/L/24 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for GLYOXAL (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Environmental fateTERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that glyoxal is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important environmental fate process given a Henry's law constant of 3.33X10-9 atm-cu m/mol(3). The potential for volatilization of glyoxal from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 255 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Screening studies using sewage seed have indicated that glyoxal is readily biodegradable(5,6).AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that glyoxal is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important environmental fate process(3), based on a Henry's law constant of 3.33X10-9 atm cu m/mol(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of -1.66(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Glyoxal undergoes direct photolysis with an estimated atmospheric lifetime of 5 hours(8), suggesting that photolysis in sunlit surface waters may be an important environmental fate process(SRC). Glyoxal is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Screening studies using sewage seed have indicated that glyoxal is readily biodegradable(9,10).ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), glyoxal, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 255 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase glyoxal is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC)the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 34 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.14X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Glyoxal also undergoes direct photolysis in the environment, with an estimated atmospheric lifetime of 5 hours(4). Glyoxal also reacts with ozone(4)however, the rate is significantly slower than the rate of direct photolysis and reaction with hydroxyl radicals and not considered an important atmospheric degradation mechanism(4).
Food survey valuesGlyoxal was detected in auto-oxidized edible oils (sesame, safflower and sardine oils) at levels of <1 to 5 ug/g(1). Glyoxal was identified, not quantified, as a volatile component of roasted coffee beans(2). Glyoxal is frequently detected in fermented foods and beverages(3).
Adverse effectsOccupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.ACGIH Carcinogen - Not Classifiable.
Exposure routesThe substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol or vapour and by ingestion.
Toxicity summaryBased on the available data, the CIR Panel concludes that Glyoxal is safe for use in products intended to be applied to the nail at concentrations &#88041.25%. The available data are insufficient to support the safety for other uses.Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualificationsIDENTIFICATION: Glyoxal is generally available as an aqueous solution, typically containing 30-50% glyoxal in which hydrated oligomers are present. This chemical is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyestuffs, as a cross-linking agent in the production of polymers, as a biocide, and as a disinfecting agent. Due to microbial activity as well as non-enzymatic autoxidation of oil or browning reactions of saccharides, glyoxal is frequently detected in fermented food and beverages. It is found in beer, wine and tea. HUMAN EXPOSURE: The main routes of occupational exposure to glyoxal during use as a disinfectant are via inhalation and dermal absorption. The general population is exposed mainly through ingestion of glyoxal containing food, but could be exposed through polluted air in urban areas and traces of glyoxal found in drinking water. Glyoxal is endogenously produced during normal cellular metabolism by a multitude of enzyme independent pathways. Glyoxal is found in human blood and individuals with diabetes or renal failure have higher concentrations. Glyoxal is irritating to mucous membranes and acts as a skin sensitizing agent. ANIMAL/PLANT STUDIES: The acute toxicity of glyoxal in experimental animals is low to moderate, depending upon the concentration of the chemical. After inhalation exposure, local irritations of the eyes and respiratory tract as well as hyperemia and foamy secretion in the lungs predominate. After oral exposure to glyoxal, macroscopic observations include irritations to the gastrointestinal tract and congestion in the gastrointestinal tract, lung, kidney and adrenal glands. In the prominent target organs, pancreas and kidney, the toxic action of glyoxal leads to severe degenerative changes resembling those induced during diabetes. A 28 day study at high dosages of glyoxal administered to rats effects included reduced water and food intake and retardation of body weight gain. A 90 day feeding study in do
Ecotoxicity excerpts/OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES/ ... Glyoxal induced meiotic abnormalities on microsporocytes of corn (Zea mats). For topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus), approx. 100 mg glyoxal/L /caused/ toxic concerning the proliferation of the rhizome fragments in an in vitro tissue culture. The NOEC (no-observedeffect concentration) was 68 mg glyoxal/L, and the EC30 value (30 % inhibition of proliferation) was 136 mg glyoxal/L.
Signs and SymptomsRedness.Redness. Pain.Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting.
Ongoing Test StatusThe following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical. [http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=107-22-2]
Effluent ConcentrationsGlyoxal was detected in the Tuscarora Mountain Tunnel, PA at average levels of 0.3 ug/cu m (tunnel inlet) and 93 ug/cu m (tunnel outlet)(1). The average emission factor of glyoxal in the tunnel from vehicles was estimated as 0.184 mg/km(1). Glyoxal was emitted from the tailpipe of diesel operated trucks at a rate of 2,100 ug/km(2). Glyoxal was detected in the emissions of combusted wood at levels of 670, 439 and 616 mg/kg for pine, oak and eucalyptus, respectively(3). Glyoxal was emitted from the tailpipe of light duty gasoline powered vehicles at rates of 170 ug/km (vehicles equipped with catalytic converters) and 28,000 ug/km (vehicles not equipped with catalytic converters)(4).
Soil Adsorption/MobilityUsing a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc for glyoxal can be estimated to be 1(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that glyoxal is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC).
Atmospheric standardsThis action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Glyoxal is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)Eyeshields, Faceshields, Gloves, type ABEK (EN14387) respirator filter
Water hazard class (WGK)1
TSCA inventory statusTSCA listed
RTECS numberMD2700000
UN transport numberUN 1760
Customs code29121900
ToxicityLD50 in rats, guinea pigs (mg/kg): 2020, 760 orally (Smyth)
Risk statements (R)20-36/38-43-68
Signal wordWarning
GHS pictogramGHS07,GHS08
Hazard symbolsXn
Safety statements (S)36/37
Storage class8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
Target organsRespiratory system
GHS hazard statementsH315-H317-H319-H332-H341
REACH registrationsActive
Hazard classEye Dam. 1Muta. 2Skin Corr. 1Skin Sens. 1STOT SE 3
Autoignition temperature545 °F
GHS precautionary statementsP201-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340+P312-P305+P351+P338-P308+P313
Hazardous substances data107-22-2(Hazardous Substances Data)

Applications & Uses

Uses

ermanent-press fabrics; dimensional stabilization of rayon and other fibers. Insolubilizing agent for compounds containing polyhydroxyl groups (polyvinyl alcohol, starch, and cellulosic materials); insolubilizing of proteins (casein, gelatin, and animal glue); embalming fluids; leather tanning; paper coatings with hydroxyethylcellulose; reducing agent in dyeing textiles.

Uses

Glyoxal is used in the production of textilesand glues and in organic synthesis.

Uses

Glyoxal is used to prepare 4,5-dihydroxy-2-imidazolidinone by condensation with urea. It finds application in leather tanning process, textile finishes and paper coatings. It is an important building block in the synthesis of imidazoles. It acts as a solubilizer and cross-linking agent in polymer chemistry. Further, it is used as a fixative for histology to preserve cells in order to examine under a microscope.

General Description

Yellow crystals melting at15°C. Hence often encountered as a light yellow liquid with a weak sour odor. Vapor has a green color and burns with a violet flame.