Glyoxal 40% Aqueous Solution CAS 107-22-2

What Is Glyoxal?

Glyoxal is the smallest dialdehyde, containing two adjacent aldehyde functional groups. It is also known as ethanedial, oxalaldehyde or ethane-1,2-dione and is identified by CAS number 107-22-2.

Commercial glyoxal is most commonly supplied as an approximately 40% aqueous solution rather than as an isolated anhydrous substance. The product normally appears as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid and is completely miscible with water.

Its two reactive carbonyl groups make glyoxal useful as a crosslinking agent and chemical intermediate. Major industrial applications include paper, textile finishing, coatings, resins, adhesives, starch modification, polymer production and selected oilfield formulations.

AOZUN supplies industrial and textile grades of glyoxal for B2B customers. Final specifications, packaging and application requirements should be agreed before purchase.

Glyoxal Quick Facts

The molecular formula and molecular weight describe anhydrous glyoxal. The delivered commercial product is normally a water-based mixture containing hydrated and oligomeric forms of glyoxal.

Is Commercial Glyoxal a Pure OHC–CHO Molecule?

Not entirely. The simple structural formula OHC–CHO is useful for identifying the chemical, but glyoxal behaves differently in concentrated water.

In aqueous solution, the aldehyde groups react reversibly with water to form hydrated species. These hydrated molecules can also associate into dimers, trimers and other oligomeric structures.

This behavior explains why commercial glyoxal:

• Is normally supplied as a stabilized aqueous solution

• Has lower volatility than an isolated small aldehyde might suggest

• Can change composition with concentration and temperature

• Requires a validated assay rather than visual inspection

• May behave differently when diluted or added to a reactive formulation

A 40% assay refers to the calculated glyoxal content of the solution, including the equilibrated hydrated forms.

Typical Glyoxal 40% Specifications

The following values are common industry references. The applicable AOZUN sales specification and batch COA must be confirmed before ordering.

Specifications vary between production processes and grades. A buyer should not combine the best values taken from several unrelated supplier data sheets into one purchase specification without confirming commercial availability.

Which Glyoxal Specifications Matter Most?

Glyoxal Assay

Assay establishes the active glyoxal concentration. A result near 40% is common for commercial material.

Before comparing suppliers, confirm:

• Whether the result is weight by weight

• The analytical method

• Allowed manufacturing tolerance

• Whether the COA reports an exact result or only “passes”

• Whether dilution or concentration correction is permitted

A product stated only as “40%” may have a broader tolerance than a product specified at 39.5–40.5%.

Formaldehyde Content

Glyoxal and formaldehyde are different substances, but small amounts of formaldehyde may occur as a process-related impurity.

Applications involving low-emission paper, textiles, coatings or indoor materials may require a specifically controlled low-formaldehyde grade. Buyers should define a numerical formaldehyde limit and analytical method rather than requesting only “formaldehyde-free glyoxal.”

A finished-product formaldehyde-free claim must consider every ingredient and the chemistry occurring during curing.

Acid Number and Total Acidity

Suppliers may report acidity as:

• Acid number in mg KOH/g

• Total acidity as a percentage

• Acidity calculated as formic acid

• Another internal titration result

These values are not directly interchangeable. Elevated acidity may affect storage stability, equipment compatibility, catalyst demand, color and polymer reaction rate.

Monoethylene Glycol

Monoethylene glycol may be a process-related component. Its limit can affect purity calculations, downstream synthesis and applications with restrictive impurity profiles.

pH

Commercial glyoxal solution is normally acidic. pH influences crosslinking rate, formulation stability and compatibility with catalysts, pigments, fillers and other polymers.

The pH of the finished formulation should be measured after all components are added. The raw-material pH alone does not predict the final reaction rate.

APHA Color

Low APHA color is important for white textiles, bright paper, transparent coatings and light-colored resins. Initial low color does not guarantee that the complete formulation will remain colorless after heat curing or aging.

Density

Density provides a practical receiving and identity check. It can also be used for tank inventory calculations, but it does not replace glyoxal assay.

How Does Glyoxal Work as a Crosslinker?

Glyoxal can react with hydroxyl-, amine- or amide-containing materials. Under suitable formulation and curing conditions, these reactions connect neighboring polymer chains. The resulting network can increase wet strength, dimensional stability or resistance to swelling, depending on the substrate and cure conditions.

What Controls the Crosslinking Reaction?

Glyoxal performance depends on:

• Polymer functional groups

• Glyoxal concentration

• Formulation pH

• Catalyst type and concentration

• Moisture content

• Mixing order

• Cure temperature

• Cure time

• Solids content

• Competing nucleophiles

• Storage time before application

More glyoxal does not always produce better performance. Excessive addition or uncontrolled curing may cause brittleness, discoloration, viscosity growth, gel formation or reduced storage stability.

Glyoxal Applications

Paper and Paperboard

Glyoxal is widely used to crosslink starch, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide and other functional polymers used in paper manufacturing and coating.

Depending on the complete system, it may help improve:

• Wet strength

• Dry strength

• Surface integrity

• Coating holdout

• Water resistance

• Printability

• Binder insolubilization

• Dimensional stability

Performance should be measured on the finished paper. Raw-material glyoxal concentration alone cannot predict strength improvement.

Paper-Coating Formulations

In coated paper and paperboard, glyoxal can react with hydroxyl-rich binders such as starch and polyvinyl alcohol. The reaction may reduce water sensitivity and improve coating durability.

The formulator should evaluate:

• Coating viscosity

• Pot life

• Water retention

• Blade or rod runnability

• Drying behavior

• Surface strength

• Print performance

• Whiteness and color

• Curl and dimensional change

Premature crosslinking can increase viscosity or create deposits in processing equipment.

Textile Finishing

Glyoxal can be used in textile-resin systems designed to improve crease resistance, dimensional stability or fabric appearance.

A textile formulation must balance:

• Wrinkle recovery

• Fabric strength

• Tear resistance

• Hand feel

• Shade change

• Yellowing

• Residual aldehyde

• Wash durability

• Catalyst effects

Glyoxal should not be expected to produce the same results in cotton, viscose, blends and synthetic fibers without reformulation.

Resins and Polymer Modification

Glyoxal is used in the preparation or modification of resins and crosslinked polymers. Compatible systems can include:

• Starch

• Cellulose derivatives

• Polyvinyl alcohol

• Polyacrylamide

• Protein-based binders

• Selected amino-functional polymers

• Glyoxalated polyacrylamide

• Glycoluril-based crosslinking resins

Reaction conditions must be controlled because high local glyoxal concentration can cause rapid viscosity increase or gel formation.

Coatings and Inks

Glyoxal may be used directly or as a building block for crosslinking resins used in industrial coatings and inks.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved film integrity

• Increased water resistance

• Better adhesion in selected systems

• Reduced coating solubility

• Improved chemical resistance

The effect on pot life, cure temperature, color, gloss and substrate adhesion must be tested in the complete formulation.

Adhesives and Binders

Glyoxal may crosslink compatible natural or synthetic adhesive polymers. It can affect viscosity, cure rate, moisture resistance and bond durability.

Evaluate:

• Initial viscosity

• Storage stability

• Open time

• Cure speed

• Dry and wet bond strength

• Substrate penetration

• Aging

• Emission requirements

Leather Processing

Glyoxal can be used in selected leather-tanning or finishing processes. Results depend on hide type, pretreatment, pH, other tanning agents and process sequence.

Application should be validated for leather color, softness, fullness, shrinkage temperature and residual chemical requirements.

Oil and Gas Formulations

Glyoxal may be included in engineered oilfield products, including certain hydrogen-sulfide scavenger and crosslinked-polymer systems.

This is a specialized application. Performance depends on temperature, pressure, salinity, pH, contact time and competing chemicals. Field use requires professionally designed formulations, corrosion evaluation and site-specific safety controls.

Chemical Intermediate

Glyoxal is a building block for imidazoles, glycolurils, heterocyclic compounds and other chemical intermediates.

For synthesis applications, impurity requirements may be stricter than those used for general textile or paper grades. Formaldehyde, acidity, monoethylene glycol and color should be evaluated against the reaction and purification process.

Glyoxal vs Formaldehyde vs Glutaraldehyde

Glyoxal may help reduce reliance on formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde in selected formulations, but it is not a universal drop-in replacement. Reaction conditions and finished-product properties must be revalidated.

Is Glyoxal Formaldehyde-Free?

Glyoxal is not formaldehyde; they have different chemical identities and CAS numbers.

However, a glyoxal product or formulation should not automatically be described as completely formaldehyde-free because:

• Trace formaldehyde may be present as an impurity

• Other formulation ingredients may contain or release formaldehyde

• Chemical reactions during curing may affect measured emissions

• Different test methods have different detection limits

Use a quantified low-formaldehyde specification and a suitable finished-product emission test when this claim is commercially important.

How Should Glyoxal Be Added to a Formulation?

A controlled laboratory evaluation should be completed before plant-scale use.

A practical development sequence is:

1. Confirm the glyoxal assay and impurity profile.

2. Prepare a control formulation without glyoxal.

3. Test several glyoxal addition levels.

4. Add glyoxal gradually under effective agitation.

5. Avoid direct contact with concentrated incompatible reactants.

6. Monitor temperature, pH and viscosity during addition.

7. Add catalysts only according to the validated formulation sequence.

8. Measure working time and pot life.

9. Cure samples under controlled conditions.

10. Compare physical performance, color, emissions and aging.

Do not copy a generic dosage from an unrelated paper, textile or coating formula.

Glyoxal Formulation Problems and Possible Causes

Troubleshooting should change one variable at a time and compare results with a retained control.

How Should Buyers Compare Glyoxal Suppliers?

Compare the Same Grade

A standard industrial 40% solution, a low-formaldehyde product and a low-color specialty grade may have different prices and specifications.

Request Actual Numerical Limits

The purchase specification should define:

• Glyoxal assay range

• Formaldehyde limit

• Acid value or total-acidity method

• Monoethylene glycol limit

• pH

• Color

• Density

• Appearance

Review a Representative COA

Confirm that the COA reports measured batch values rather than only repeating specification limits.

Conduct an Application Trial

Evaluate the proposed commercial grade in the actual paper, textile, resin, coating or adhesive system. Include storage and aging tests.

Confirm Packaging and Logistics

Check container material, net weight, loading quantity, shelf life, storage temperature and whether temperature-controlled transport is required.

Quality-Control Documents to Request

Ask the glyoxal supplier for:

• Technical Data Sheet

• Safety Data Sheet

• Batch Certificate of Analysis

• Product specification

• Country-of-origin statement

• Packaging specification

• Shelf-life or retest guidance

• REACH or chemical-inventory information where required

• Low-formaldehyde declaration where applicable

• Transport classification

• Application-specific regulatory documents

All documents should refer to the same product concentration and grade.

Biocidal and Disinfection Uses

Glyoxal has been evaluated or used as an active ingredient in certain biocidal and disinfection formulations. These are regulated uses.

Do not market or apply an industrial glyoxal product as a disinfectant, preservative or biocide unless:

• The active substance and product type are permitted

• The formulated product is registered or authorized

• The use concentration and label are approved

• Efficacy and safety data support the claim

• Local regulations are satisfied

A general industrial-grade COA does not constitute biocidal authorization.

Packaging Options

Commercial glyoxal 40% may be supplied in:

• HDPE drums

• Composite IBC containers

• ISO tanks or bulk tankers

• Smaller containers for samples or laboratory evaluation

Common bulk configurations include approximately 250 kg drums and 1,200–1,250 kg IBCs, but actual net weight depends on container design, supplier and destination requirements.

Confirm AOZUN’s current packaging and loading quantity in the quotation.

Storage Recommendations

Store glyoxal solution:

• In its original, tightly closed container

• In a cool, dry and well-ventilated area

• Away from direct sunlight and excessive heat

• Under the temperature conditions stated in the SDS or TDS

• Away from incompatible oxidizing or reducing agents

• In compatible tanks, pumps, seals and transfer lines

• With suitable secondary containment

Avoid contamination with alkaline materials, amines or other reactive chemicals.

If crystals, haze, sediment, strong discoloration or unusual viscosity are observed, isolate the material and consult AOZUN before heating, mixing or using it.

Glyoxal Safety and Handling

Glyoxal is a reactive aldehyde and must be handled according to its current SDS.

Potential workplace concerns can include:

• Eye irritation or damage

• Skin irritation

• Skin sensitization

• Exposure to mist or aerosol

• Reactions with incompatible chemicals

Recommended industrial controls generally include:

• Closed transfer where practical

• Effective local ventilation

• Chemical-resistant gloves

• Splash goggles or face protection

• Suitable protective clothing

• Emergency eyewash and shower access

• Spill containment

• Prevention of uncontrolled environmental release

Transport classification may depend on concentration, packaging, jurisdiction and the applicable SDS. Do not determine shipping status from the CAS number alone.

Why Source Glyoxal from AOZUN?

AOZUN supplies glyoxal for industrial and textile customers and can align the proposed grade with the buyer’s quality, application and logistics requirements.

Support may include:

• Specification review

• Standard or low-formaldehyde grade evaluation

• Batch COA

• TDS and SDS documentation

• Representative samples

• Drum and IBC packaging

• Export documentation

• Customer-defined testing by agreement

• Shipment planning

Final specifications, packaging, documentation and compliance requirements should be agreed in writing before order confirmation.

Information to Include in a Glyoxal RFQ

For a more accurate quotation, provide:

• Product concentration

• Intended application

• Required glyoxal assay

• Maximum formaldehyde

• Maximum monoethylene glycol

• Acid number or total-acidity requirement

• Maximum APHA color

• Required pH range

• Trial and regular order quantities

• Packaging preference

• Destination

• Required regulatory documents

• Delivery schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

What Concentration of Glyoxal Is Normally Supplied?

The most common commercial form is an approximately 40% aqueous solution. Other concentrations or specialty grades should be confirmed directly with the supplier.

Is 40% Glyoxal the Same as 40% Purity?

It means that approximately 40% of the solution by weight is calculated as glyoxal. The remaining material is mainly water plus controlled process-related components and impurities.

Why Is Glyoxal Sold in Water?

Water stabilizes glyoxal in hydrated and oligomeric forms and makes the reactive dialdehyde easier to store, transfer and formulate than isolated anhydrous glyoxal.

Is Glyoxal the Same as Glyoxylic Acid?

No. Glyoxal is a dialdehyde with CAS 107-22-2. Glyoxylic acid contains both an aldehyde and a carboxylic-acid group and has a different CAS number and application profile.

Can Glyoxal Replace Formaldehyde?

It can replace or reduce formaldehyde-based chemistry in selected applications, but it is not a universal one-to-one substitute. Cure conditions, dosage, performance and emissions must be revalidated.

Can Glyoxal Replace Glutaraldehyde?

Not automatically. The two dialdehydes have different molecular structures, reaction behavior and regulatory profiles. Application testing is required.

Does Glyoxal Contain Formaldehyde?

Trace formaldehyde may be present depending on the production process and grade. Buyers needing low-emission performance should specify a numerical formaldehyde limit.

What Is Low-Formaldehyde Glyoxal?

It is a glyoxal grade manufactured and controlled to a defined lower formaldehyde-impurity limit. The exact limit and test method must appear in the specification or COA.

Is Glyoxal Suitable for Paper Wet-Strength Applications?

Glyoxal can crosslink compatible paper polymers and improve wet strength, but performance depends on the binder, pH, catalyst, cure conditions and dosage.

Can Glyoxal Be Used as a Disinfectant?

Only in an appropriately formulated and legally authorized biocidal product. Industrial glyoxal must not be marketed directly with unapproved disinfection claims.

What Documents Are Available?

Depending on the offered grade, AOZUN may provide a TDS, SDS, batch COA, specification, packaging information and relevant regulatory documents.

Request a Glyoxal Sample or Quotation

Contact AOZUN for current Glyoxal 40% pricing, samples, specifications, COA, SDS, packaging and export information.

Include your application, required formaldehyde limit, acidity method, color target, quantity and destination so that the proposed grade can be evaluated against your process.