Glutaraldehyde is a powerful antimicrobial agent. On account of its excellent sporicidal properties, it is the only liquid sterilant recommended for decontamination of highly critical surgical instruments, and other uses.
 
APPLICATION 
Glutaraldehyde is a colorless, oily, liquid-chemical with a pungent odor. It is used for a number of applications such as the following:
▪                 A cold sterilant in the health care industry
▪                 A cross-linking and tanning agent
▪                 A biocide in metalworking fluids and in oil and gas pipelines
▪                 An antimicrobial in water-treatment systems
▪                 A slimicide in paper manufacturing
▪                 A preservative in cosmetics
▪                 A disinfectant in animal housing
In the health care industry, glutaraldehyde is most often used to disinfect equipment that cannot be heat sterilized such as dialysis instruments, surgical instruments, suction bottles, bronchoscopes, endoscopes, and ear, nose, and throat instruments.
It is also used for the following purposes:
•                As a tissue fixative in histology and pathology labs
•                As a hardening agent in the development of X-rays
•                In embalming solutions
•                In the preparation of grafts and bioprostheses
In various clinical applications
Glutaraldehyde is a powerful antimicrobial agent. On account of its excellent sporicidal properties, it is the only liquid sterilant recommended for decontamination of highly critical surgical instruments.
 
GENERAL
  
   
    
 
Chemical Name:
 
    
 
Glutaraldehyde, 1,5-Pentanedial
 
   
   
    
 
Chemical Structure
 
    
 
C5H8O2
 
   
   
    
 
Molecular Weight
 
    
 
100.11
 
   
   
    
 
Appearance
 
    
 
Clear, yellowish liquid
 
   
  
 
  
   
    
 
Properties
 
    
 
Typical Value
 
    
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
Assay (%):
 
    
 
50 - 52
 
    
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
Color, APHA
 
    
 
80 max
 
    
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
Specific Gravity @ 25°C
 
    
 
1.12- 1.15
 
    
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
pH @25°C
 
    
 
2.5– 4.6
 
    
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
Boiling Point (°C)
 
    
 
100
 
    
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
Freezing Point (°C)
 
    
 
-15