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.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 98 °C |
| Boiling Point | 111 °C |
| Density | 1.42 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 111°C |
| Appearance | clear yellow solution |
| Color | Colorless to Light orange to Yellow |
| Form | clear liquid |
| Water Solubility | miscible |
| Vapor Pressure | 14hPa at 19.85℃ |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.414 |
| pH | 0.3 (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 Code | 29183000 |
| UN Number | 3265 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 298-12-4
- EC Number
- 206-058-5
- Mol. Weight
- 74.04
- HS Code
- 29183000
- Category
- Organic Acids