Glyoxal is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a weak sour odor. It is typically encountered as a 40% aqueous solution. Glyoxal is considered environmentally friendly due to its biodegradable nature. Glyoxal is is the simplest dialdehyde and is highly reactive due to its electrophilic carbonyl groups.
Chemical Properties
Glyoxal is a strong reducing agent and reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents (such as nitric acid). It is prone to polymerization, especially under anhydrous conditions, where it can polymerize rapidly even at low temperatures. Its aqueous solution is relatively stable but can also polymerize over time. Glyoxal can undergo addition and condensation reactions with amines, amides, aldehydes, and substances containing hydroxyl groups, and these reactions are usually exothermic.
Application
1.Textile Industry
Glyoxal is used as a cross-linking agent to improve the wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability of fabrics, particularly cotton and rayon. It helps in preventing cellulosic swelling, resulting in soft and wrinkle-free textiles.
2.Paper Industry
In the paper industry, glyoxal is used as a cross-linking and hardening agent to improve the wet and dry strength of paper. It also enhances the efficiency of paper coatings.
3.Leather Tanning
Glyoxal is used in leather tanning processes to enhance the durability and stability of leather.
4.Polymer Chemistry
Glyoxal acts as a cross-linking agent in the production of adhesives, coatings, and sealants. It is also used in the synthesis of various polymers and resins, such as urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde resins.
5.Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Glyoxal is used as a precursor in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, including sulfonamides, barbiturates, and tranquilizers.
6.Organic Synthesis
Glyoxal is an important building block in the synthesis of imidazoles and other organic compounds. It is also used in the preparation of glycoluril-based amino crosslinking resins.
7.Water Treatment
Glyoxal has biocidal properties and is used in water treatment applications to control microbial growth.
8.Histology and Preservation
Glyoxal is used as a fixative in histology to preserve cells for microscopic examination.
9.Agrochemicals
Glyoxal is used in the production of agrochemicals, where it serves as a plant growth regulator and pesticide.
10.Oil & Gas Industry
Glyoxal is used in oil recovery and gas sweetening processes to make oil and gas more usable.
Storage
Keep in cool, dark conditions (stabilized with water or methanol).
