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Synthetic aroma chemicals

Glyoxal

Also known as Ethanedial, oxaldehyde, Oxalaldehyde

CAS 107-22-2Formula C2H2O2Molar mass 58.04 g/molEC 203-474-9
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard 123 suppliers listed
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Glyoxal chemical structure, C2H2O2, CAS 107-22-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Yellow prisms or irregular pieces turning white on cooling, opaque at 10 °C, vapors are…
Melting point
15 °C
Boiling point
51 °C
Density
1.14 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Flash point
>100
HS code
291219
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
UN number
UN 2810
Illustrative photo, yellow pigment powder in an open kraft paper sack in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Glyoxal?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Glyoxal is the dialdehyde that is the smallest possible and which consists of ethane having oxo groups on both carbons. It has a role as a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, an agrochemical and an allergen.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
oxaldehyde
CAS number
107-22-2 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 63986-13-0
EC numbers
203-474-9, 636-347-5
Molecular formula
C2H2O2
UNII
50NP6JJ975
MDL number
MFCD00006957
INCI name
GLYOXAL
InChIKey
LEQAOMBKQFMDFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H2O2/c3-1-2-4/h1-2H
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(=O)C=O

Synonyms

  • Ethanedial
  • oxaldehyde
  • Oxalaldehyde
  • 1,2-Ethanedione
  • Biformyl
  • Diformyl
  • Biformal
  • Oxal
  • Glyoxylaldehyde
  • Diformal
  • Ethanedione
  • Aerotex glyoxal 40
  • Glyoxal aldehyde
  • Glyoxal, 40%
  • Ethandial
  • Glyoxal, 29.2%
  • Glyoxal, 40% w/w aq. soln.
  • Glyoxal (40% w/w in H2O) (Technical Grade)
  • ODIX
  • Glyoxal (5% in 250mL in H2O)
  • Ethane-1,2-dione
  • ethane dial
  • (oxo)acetaldehyde
  • ethane-1,2-dial
  • Protectol GL 40
Show all 32 synonyms
  • glyoxal (ethanedial)
  • oxalic acid dihydride
  • 4-01-00-03625 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • (CHO)2
  • Glyoxal, Biformyl, Oxalaldehyde
  • Glyoxal, 76%, powder (trimer)
  • Glyoxal (39% in Water, ca. 8.8mol/L)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Yellow prisms or irregular pieces turning white on cooling, opaque at 10 °C, vapors are greenexp.
Odour
Mild odorexp.
Melting point
15 °Cexp.
Boiling point
51 °Cexp.
Density
1.14 g/cm³ at 20 °Cexp.
Flash point
>100exp.
Autoignition temperature
285 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, miscible at 20 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
255 mm Hg at 25 °C /extrapolated/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
58.04 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
58.0055 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.62calc.
Topological polar surface area
34.14 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
4calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H332Harmful if inhaled.
  • H341Suspected of causing genetic defects.
Precautionary statements (19)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2810

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Glyoxal suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 123 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

123 suppliers in 14 countries

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Glyoxal price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Permanent-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.

In paper industry for sizing, washable wall paper, treating glue surface of envelopes, in textile industry for preventing shrinking and creasing, as substitute for formaldehyde in embalming fluids.

Glyoxal is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyestuffs.

Read more

It is also used in the industrial production of alpha-hydroxyalkylureas (the addition of glyoxal to urea) and is industrially employed as a cross-linking agent in the production of a range of different polymers, such as textiles (e.g., permanent press fabrics), paper, and proteins. It is used as a biocide and as a disinfecting agent and is present in many products, such as cleansers used for the disinfection of surfaces.

Industrial uses: Other, Monomers, Viscosity modifiers, Softener and conditioner, Surface modifier, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Surface modifier, Processing aids not otherwise specified, Other.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name GLYOXAL(antimicrobial, perfuming)

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • agrochemical
  • allergen
  • growth regulator
  • pesticide
  • plant growth regulator

Functional uses

  • Biocide
  • Chemical reaction regulator
  • Film former
  • Fragrance
  • Preservative

Cosmetic functions

  • Antimicrobial
  • Perfuming

How it is made

Oxidation of acetaldehyde with nitric acid

By oxidation of acetaldehyde by nitric or selenious acid. Lubawin, Ber. 8, 768 (1875), Wyss Ber. 10, 1366 (1877), Kolln, Ann. 416, 230 (1918), Riley et al. J Am Chem Soc 1932, Ronzio, Waugh, Org Syn, Collection Volume 3 438 (1955), by hydrolysis of dichlorodioxane: Butler, Cretcher, J Am Chem Soc, 54, 2988 (1932).

Solution of monomer are obtained on heating polymer with anethole, phenetole, safrole, methyl nonyl ketone, or benzaldehyde.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 605-016-00-7

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: GLYOXAL, Ref no: 194, Annex ref: III/194

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Glyoxal is traded under.

HS 2912.19Indicative HS code

Acyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function, other

World exports in 2024
$679M
+4.8% vs 2023, imports $743M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany22.0%
  2. China21.2%
  3. United States18.5%
Top importers
  1. United States13.1%
  2. Germany9.6%
  3. Belgium8.2%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Glyoxal is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Glyoxal, based on the data on this page

What is Glyoxal?

Glyoxal is the dialdehyde that is the smallest possible and which consists of ethane having oxo groups on both carbons. It has a role as a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, an agrochemical and an allergen.

What is Glyoxal used for?

Permanent-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 hydr…

Is Glyoxal hazardous?

Glyoxal carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Glyoxal

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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