Gyloxal

Chemical Name

  • Ethanedial 40%
  • 1,2 Ethanedione
  • Oxaldehyde
  • Biformyl

IUPAC / CAS

Ethanedial /107-22-2

Physical and Chemical Properties

Glyoxal is a liquid at room temperature and it crystallizes at 15 ˚C to form yellow prismatic crystals.  It is nonvolatile and is easily biodegradable. Commercially glyoxal is available as a 40% aqueous solution. It can evaporate and contaminate the air at 20 ˚C.

Mode of Action

Glyoxal attacks amino groups of proteins, nucleotides and lipids. It is known to react with amino acids like lysine, arginine and guanine forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This leads to inactivation of enzymes, disturbance in the cellular metabolism, impaired proteolysis, inhibition of cell proliferation and protein synthesis.

Activity Spectrum

It has bactericidal properties similar to that of gluteraldehyde and therefore is often used as an adjunct of these agents in disinfectants.

Advantages

  • It is non volatile
  • Noncarcinogenic to humans
  • Readily biodegradable

Disadvantages

  • Strong irritant especially on repeated exposure
  • It can evaporate to contaminate the environment at 20 ˚C and can cause toxicity due to inhalation in those exposed.

Toxicity and Side Effects in Humans

Glyoxal is known to be an irritant to humans acting both on the skin and the mucosal surfaces. Glyoxal when inhaled may cause cough  and breathlessness as it irritates the respiratory mucosa. On ingestion it may cause nausea and vomitting. Long term chronic abuse has not been documented so far with glyoxal.As a skin irritant , it causes redness and itching of the skin when in contact. On accidental exposure to the eye, glyoxal causes pain, redness and irritation similar to that of chemical conjunctivitis.

Regulatory Information

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) have laid down the threshold limit value (TLV) for glyoxal as 0.1mg/m3. Since glyoxal is a nonvolatile substance, the U.S Department of Labor?s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has not established a Permissible Exposure Levels (PEL) for it.

Safety Measures

  • Wear appropriate personal protective gear in order to prevent contact with the skin or the eyes. Use a mask to avoid inhalation of the chemical agent when handling large quantities.
  • Glyoxal must be stored in a cool, dry , well ventilated area in airtight containers.
  • It is a combustible substance and fire due to glyoxal can be extinguished using carbon dioxide foam.

First Aid Treatment

  • If ingested accidentally, induce vomiting under medical supervision. A gastric lavage is also helpful in removing the chemical from the stomach and preventing systemic absorption.
  • In case of inhalation, the person must be shifted to an area of fresh air. Respiratory support may be required if large quantities are inhaled and hence the patient must be kept under medical supervision at least for 24 hours.
  • In case of contact with the eyes, immediately flush the eyes with plenty of cold water for 15 minutes. In case of skin contact, wash the area with plenty of soap and water. Any contaminated clothes or shoes must be removed immediately and washed thoroughly before reuse.