G

Glyoxal

IUPAC: oxaldehyde

C2H2O2 Organic Compounds CAS 107-22-2
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H2O2
CAS Number107-22-2
Molecular Weight58.04
Melting Point59 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point124 °F at 776 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.29 at 68 °F (liquid,40% solution) (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceGlyoxal appears as yellow crystals melting at15 °C. Hence often encountered as a light yellow liquid with a weak sour odor. Vapor has a green color and burns with a violet flame.
Also Known Asoxaldehyde; 107-22-2; Ethanedial; Oxalaldehyde; 1,2-Ethanedione; Biformyl; Diformyl; Biformal; Oxal; Glyoxylaldehyde
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Glyoxal?

Glyoxal is the dialdehyde that is the smallest possible and which consists of ethane having oxo groups on both carbons. It has a role as a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, an agrochemical and an allergen.

Formula & Notation

C2H2O2

IUPAC Name: oxaldehyde

Other Names / Synonyms: oxaldehyde; 107-22-2; Ethanedial; Oxalaldehyde; 1,2-Ethanedione; Biformyl; Diformyl; Biformal; Oxal; Glyoxylaldehyde

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Glyoxal appears as yellow crystals melting at15 °C. Hence often encountered as a light yellow liquid with a weak sour odor. Vapor has a green color and burns with a violet flame.. Molecular formula: C2H2O2. Molecular weight: 58.04 g/mol. Boiling point: 124 °F at 776 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 59 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.29 at 68 °F (liquid,40% solution) (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 18 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point59 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point124 °F at 776 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.29 at 68 °F (liquid,40% solution) (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight58.04
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceGlyoxal appears as yellow crystals melting at15 °C. Hence often encountered as a light yellow liquid with a weak sour odor. Vapor has a green color and burns with a violet flame.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Glyoxal
Formula C2H2O2
CAS Number 107-22-2
Molecular Weight 58.04
Synonyms oxaldehyde; 107-22-2; Ethanedial; Oxalaldehyde; 1,2-Ethanedione; Biformyl; Diformyl; Biformal; Oxal; Glyoxylaldehyde

Frequently Asked Questions

Glyoxal is the dialdehyde that is the smallest possible and which consists of ethane having oxo groups on both carbons. It has a role as a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, an agrochemical and an allergen.

More "G" Terms

View all "G" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.