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Organic Acids

Glyoxylic acid

CAS: 298-12-4

Overview

Glyoxylic acid (CAS 298-12-4 ), also known as α-ketoacetic acid, is a bifunctional organic acid that serves as a reactive intermediate and chelating agent across chemical manufacturing and formulation industries.

Its aldehyde and carboxylic acid groups make it a valued building block for synthesizing active ingredients, rather than a commodity acid used purely for pH adjustment in industrial processes.

In pharmaceuticals, it functions as a key intermediate in the synthesis of amino acids, including D-phenylglycine and D-4-hydroxyphenylglycine, which are used in semi-synthetic penicillin and cephalosporin production.

Personal care formulators use it as the active agent in hair straightening treatments, where it reacts with keratin to restructure hair bonds without the need for formaldehyde or harsh chemicals.

In water treatment, its chelating capacity allows it to sequester metal ions, supporting scale inhibition and corrosion control in industrial systems. Food-grade applications include use as a pH regulator.

It also serves as a precursor in flavor compound synthesis. Glyoxylic acid is supplied primarily as a 50% aqueous solution, the standard commercial form for most industrial and formulation applications.

Technical and purified grades are available to meet the requirements of pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis and cosmetic manufacturing. Solid monohydrate form is also available for specific applications.

These solid forms are ideal for applications requiring precise dosing or reduced water content. Our material meets rigorous quality standards to ensure consistency across all manufacturing batches and client specifications.

Contact us for supply of Glyoxylic acid

Physical Properties

Melting Point98 °C
Boiling Point111 °C
Density1.42 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point111°C
Appearanceclear yellow solution
ColorColorless to Light orange to Yellow
Formclear liquid
Water Solubilitymiscible
Vapor Pressure14hPa at 19.85℃
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.414
pH0.3 (19.5°C in H2O)
Log P-0.930 (est)

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H290 May be corrosive to metals H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation Precautionary Statements P234 Keep only in original packaging. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P390 Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. P406 Store in a corrosion-resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29183000
UN Number3265
ADR Class8
Packing GroupII
Storage Class8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

α-ketoacetic acid | oxoethanoic acid | oxaldehydic acid | oxalaldehydic acid | glyoxalic acid | formylformic acid | alpha-ketoacetic acid | 2-oxoacetic acid

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
298-12-4
EC Number
206-058-5
Mol. Weight
74.04
HS Code
29183000

Industries

Documentation