Glyoxal is used to prepare 4,5-dihydroxy-2-imidazolidinone by condensation with urea. It finds application in leather tanning process, textile finishes and paper coatings. It is an important building block in the synthesis of imidazoles. It acts as a solubilizer and cross-linking agent in polymer chemistry. Further, it is used as a fixative for histology to preserve cells in order to examine under a microscope.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
ApplicationsGlyoxal is used to prepare 4,5-dihydroxy-2-imidazolidinone by condensation with urea. It finds application in leather tanning process, textile finishes and paper coatings. It is an important building block in the synthesis of imidazoles. It acts as a solubilizer and cross-linking agent in polymer chemistry. Further, it is used as a fixative for histology to preserve cells in order to examine under a microscope.
SolubilityMiscible with water, methanol and dimethylsulfoxide.
NotesMoisture and heat sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agent, oxygen, peroxides, amides, amines, hydroxy-containing materials, nitric acid and aldehydes.