What is glyoxal and what is it used for?
Glyoxal (ethanedial, CAS 107-22-2) is a compact difunctional aldehyde used as a cross-linking and insolubilizing agent. It crosslinks coatings and resins for paper wet-strength, provides permanent-press and anti-shrink finishing of cellulosic textiles, sets polyvinyl alcohol, starch and cellulosic films, hardens protein-based materials, and serves as a leather tanning aid.
GLYOXAL- ▸ Paper wet-strength: Crosslinks coatings and resins for paper and paperboard.
- ▸ Textile finishing: Permanent-press and anti-shrink treatment of cellulosic fabrics.
- ▸ Insolubilizing agent: Sets polyvinyl alcohol, starch, and cellulosic films.
- ▸ Protein crosslinker: Hardens casein, gelatin, and animal glue.
- ▸ Leather tanning: Tanning and processing aid.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Glyoxal (ethanedial, OHC–CHO; CAS 107-22-2) is the smallest dialdehyde and a workhorse crosslinker. Its two reactive aldehyde groups bind the hydroxyl and amide groups of cellulose, starch, protein and poly(vinyl alcohol), which makes it the active in durable-press textile finishing, paper wet-strength systems, and a wide range of crosslinking and scavenging chemistries. It is usually supplied as a ~40% aqueous solution. Identity: PubChem.
What is glyoxal?
Glyoxal is the dialdehyde OHC–CHO. Two aldehyde groups two atoms apart make it a compact, fast crosslinker that forms acetal and hemiaminal bonds with –OH and –NH groups, building networks in natural and synthetic polymers. Because concentrated glyoxal polymerizes, it is handled and sold as a stabilized aqueous solution (commonly around 40%).
Applications by sector
Textiles. The crosslinker behind durable-press, wrinkle-resist and anti-shrink finishes for cotton and cellulosics. Paper. Crosslinks starch and wet-strength resins for stronger, better-runnability paper. Crosslinking & coatings. Insolubilizes poly(vinyl alcohol), starch, gelatin and protein in adhesives, coatings and capsules. Oil & gas / industrial water. Used in hydrogen-sulfide scavenging and as a building block for biocidal and preservative chemistries (a precursor/intermediate — no biocidal efficacy is claimed for the raw material here). Leather & synthesis. Tanning and a reactive intermediate. Match concentration and stabilizer to your system.
Forms and grades
Glyoxal is supplied as a stabilized aqueous solution, typically around 40% (other concentrations available). Specify concentration and any low-residual grade requirement on the RFQ; the CoA documents the lot.
Handling and documentation
Glyoxal solution is an irritant and a skin sensitizer; handle with appropriate PPE per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Hazard and exposure data come from the SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies glyoxal solution in bulk — drums, totes and IBCs — to textile, paper, coatings and industrial buyers, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your concentration and target quantity. See textiles and industrial manufacturing.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Glyoxal (ethanedial, oxalaldehyde) |
| CAS Number | 107-22-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C2H2O2 |
| Molecular Weight | ~58.0 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, pale-yellow aqueous solution (typically ~40%) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water |
| Function | Dialdehyde crosslinker / insolubilizer; reactive intermediate |
| Hazard / handling | Irritant and skin sensitizer — refer to the current SDS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glyoxal used for?
Glyoxal (ethanedial, CAS 107-22-2) is a dialdehyde crosslinker used in durable-press textile finishing, paper wet-strength and starch crosslinking, insolubilizing PVOH/starch/gelatin in coatings and adhesives, hydrogen-sulfide scavenging, leather tanning, and as a reactive chemical intermediate.
What concentration is glyoxal supplied at?
It is normally supplied as a stabilized aqueous solution around 40% (other concentrations available), because concentrated glyoxal polymerizes. Specify the concentration you need on the RFQ.
Is glyoxal hazardous?
Glyoxal solution is an irritant and a skin sensitizer; handle it with appropriate PPE per the current SDS. Hazard classification and exposure controls are in the SDS.
What is the formula and CAS of glyoxal?
Glyoxal is OHC-CHO (C2H2O2), CAS 107-22-2 (PubChem CID 7860), ~58 g/mol. The CoA documents concentration and grade.
How is bulk glyoxal supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies glyoxal solution in drums, totes and IBCs with CoA and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on concentration, grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity and ship-to.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including chemical properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim, or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information.