Glyoxal 40% is an aqueous dialdehyde used in crosslinking and chemical synthesis. Selecting it for a coating, textile finish or resin starts with the reacting components and impurity limits, rather than a general promise of process improvement.
Chemical identity
Glyoxal, also called ethanedial, is the simplest dialdehyde. The commercial 40% product is an aqueous mixture rather than pure glyoxal. In water, glyoxal exists in hydrated and associated forms, which is relevant when evaluating its behaviour in a formulation.
The aldehyde functionality makes the material useful in crosslinking reactions and as a chemical intermediate. Industrial uses include paper coating, textile and leather processing, coatings and resins.
Selecting a formaldehyde limit
The supplied range includes formaldehyde limits of 100, 500 and 1,000 ppm. Specify the required maximum in the purchase request.
A low-formaldehyde grade should not be described as formaldehyde-free. Test crosslinking, viscosity development, appearance and storage stability in the full formulation before setting a production dosage.
Application considerations
In paper and packaging, glyoxal is used as a crosslinking ingredient in coating and polymer systems. Its aldehyde groups react with compatible formulation components.
In textiles and leather, it is used in finishing and processing as a reactive crosslinking ingredient. Selection depends on the treatment chemistry and the required formaldehyde limit.
In coatings and resins, the dialdehyde functionality supports crosslinking in compatible systems and can serve as an intermediate in resin chemistry. In oilfield formulations, glyoxal is used in crosslinking and hydrogen sulfide scavenging systems.
Purchasing specification and handling
WHUCHEM supplies glyoxal 40% with typical values of 40 ± 0.5% glyoxal content, colourless transparent appearance, colour ≤20 APHA, acidity ≤0.2% as acetic acid and formaldehyde limits of ≤100, ≤500 or ≤1,000 ppm by grade.
Avoid breathing mist and contact with skin or eyes. Use suitable protective gloves and eye protection, and work with adequate ventilation. TDS, SDS and COA documents are available with each quotation.
Need a grade or specification?
Send us the product name, CAS number and target application. Our team will confirm the suitable grade and provide TDS, SDS and COA documentation.