Glutaraldehyde

Athanor · official

C₅H₈O₂ · 100.12 g/mol

IUPAC name: pentanedial

Also called glutaral, pentanedial, EM fixative, Cidex

Reagents

Open in Athanor

Drawn from its SMILES with RDKit

DangerToxic if swallowed · Causes severe skin burns and eye damage · May cause an allergic skin reaction · Fatal if inhaled · May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled · May cause respiratory irritation · Very toxic to aquatic life · Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Names and identifiers

IUPAC name: pentanedial
Synonyms: glutaral, pentanedial, EM fixative
+ 39 more
Cidex, Pentanedial, Glutaral, Glutaric dialdehyde, 1,5-Pentanedial, Sonacide, Glutardialdehyde, Alhydex, Glutaric acid dialdehyde, Glutaric aldehyde, Glutaraldehyd, Glutaralum, Aldesan, Ucarcide, Hospex, 1,5-Pentanedione, 1,3-Diformylpropane, Aldesen, Sterihyde L, Sterihyde, Aldehyd glutarowy, Cidex 7, Glutaclean, Verucasep, NCI-C55425, Relugan GT, Relugan GTW, DTXSID6025355, Glutarex 28, Ucarcide 250, Relugan GT 50, Dioxopentane, Coldcide-25 microbiocide, NSC-13392, Potentiated acid glutaraldehyde, T3C89M417N, DTXCID605355, CHEBI:64276, Glutohyde
Molecular formula: C₅H₈O₂
Empirical formula: C₅H₈O₂
Molecular weight: 100.12 g/mol
Exact mass: 100.05243
CAS number: 111-30-8
PubChem CID: 3485
Canonical SMILES: C(CC=O)CC=O
Isomeric SMILES: C(CC=O)CC=O
InChI: InChI=1S/C5H8O2/c6-4-2-1-3-5-7/h4-5H,1-3H2
InChIKey: SXRSQZLOMIGNAQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molfile

Names, InChI and the identifiers from PubChem, retrieved 2026-10-14.

Physical properties

TemperaturePressureDensity

Appearance: Colorless liquid[6]
7 values
From Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
– Glutaraldehyde solution is a light yellow liquid. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
– Dry Powder; Liquid [2] EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
– CLEAR VISCOUS COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– Colorless liquid with a pungent odor. [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– Colorless liquid with a pungent odor. [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
–shown Colorless liquid [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
Odor: Sweetish[6]
2 values
From Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
– Pungent odor [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
–shown Sweetish [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutaraldehyde (CAS 111-30-8) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of Feb 25, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
Melting point: -14 °C[3]
6 values
4 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
< −7 °C less than 20 °F (USCG, 1999) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
−14 °Cshown -14 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−33 °C -33 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−14 °C 7 °F [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−14 °C -14 °C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
−14 °C 7 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Boiling point: 101 °C[3]
3 values
2 of 3 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
187 to 189 °C 369 to 372 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
101 °Cshown 101 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
100 °C 212 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
1 more value was reported but failed the checks (unreadable or out of range), so it is not shown.
Density: Relative density (water = 1): 0.7[3]
7 values
3 of 6 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
– 1.062 to 1.124 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
– 0.72 [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 610
–shown Relative density (water = 1): 0.7 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– 1.33 g/cm³ [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– 1.10 [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– 0.72 @25 °C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
– 1.10 [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Solubility in water: Solubility in water: miscible[3]
4 values
From ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
– greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
–shown Solubility in water: miscible [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– Solubility in water: miscible [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– Miscible [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
log P: -0.22[3]
2 values
Sources disagree; from ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs), the most authoritative.
Value As written Source
– log Kow = -0.33 [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Leung H-W; Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 49: 26-39 (2001)
–shown -0.22 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Vapor pressure: Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.3[3]
5 values
2 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
17 mmHg 17 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.6 mmHg 0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Heisler SL, Friedlander SK; Atmos Environ 11: 157-168 (1977)
17 mmHgshown Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.3 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
17 mmHg Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.3 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
0.6 mmHg 0.6 [mm Hg] @30 °C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
2 more values were reported but failed the checks (unreadable or out of range), so they are not shown.
Flash point: >95 °C c.c.[3]
Autoignition temperature: 225 °C[6]
Viscosity: Reported, but no value passed the checks.
The value and why
12.75 mm²/s at 25 °C (could not be read; source [3])

Value	As written	Source
–	Glutaraldehyde solution is a light yellow liquid. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
–	Dry Powder; Liquid	[2] EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
–	CLEAR VISCOUS COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	Colorless liquid with a pungent odor.	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–	Colorless liquid with a pungent odor.	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
–shown	Colorless liquid	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg

Value	As written	Source
–	Pungent odor	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
–shown	Sweetish	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutaraldehyde (CAS 111-30-8) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of Feb 25, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/

Value	As written	Source
< −7 °C	less than 20 °F (USCG, 1999)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
−14 °Cshown	-14 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−33 °C	-33 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−14 °C	7 °F	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−14 °C	-14 °C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
−14 °C	7 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
187 to 189 °C	369 to 372 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
101 °Cshown	101 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
100 °C	212 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	1.062 to 1.124 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
–	0.72	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 610
–shown	Relative density (water = 1): 0.7	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	1.33 g/cm³	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	1.10	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–	0.72 @25 °C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
–	1.10	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
–shown	Solubility in water: miscible	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	Solubility in water: miscible	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	Miscible	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	log Kow = -0.33	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Leung H-W; Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 49: 26-39 (2001)
–shown	-0.22	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Value	As written	Source
17 mmHg	17 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.6 mmHg	0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Heisler SL, Friedlander SK; Atmos Environ 11: 157-168 (1977)
17 mmHgshown	Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.3	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
17 mmHg	Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.3	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
0.6 mmHg	0.6 [mm Hg] @30 °C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy

Each value as its source reports it, with the source's number after it (listed under References). Where several sources report a property, the row shows the value most of them agree on, the rule the app uses; open the values to see every one.

Calculated

Heavy atoms: 7
Rings: 0
Aromatic rings: 0
Fraction sp³ carbons (Fsp3): 0.6
H-bond donors: 0
H-bond acceptors: 2
Rotatable bonds: 4
TPSA (Å²): 34.1
Formal charge: 0
XLogP3: -0.5 PubChem
Complexity: 51 PubChem
Stereocenters: None
Double-bond geometry: None specified
Point group: C2v of one 3D conformer with its hydrogens, by Athanor’s engine (as in the app)

Elemental analysis

C59.98%
H8.05%
O31.96%

Isotope pattern

Each peak is a nominal mass with its abundance-weighted exact mass, as a percentage of the tallest, from IUPAC natural isotope abundances.

Computed from the structure with RDKit 2026.09 when this page was built, beside PubChem's own computed values from its record; where the two differ, both are shown.

Predicted

log P: 0.55 Crippen (Wildman and Crippen 1999)
log S (water solubility): -0.55 ESOL (Delaney 2004), log mol/L
Synthetic accessibility: 2.91 SA score, 1 easy to 10 hard (Ertl and Schuffenhauer 2009)

Drug-likeness: Lipinski’s rule of five

Molecular weight ≤ 500: 100.12
log P ≤ 5 (Crippen): 0.55
H-bond donors ≤ 5: 0
H-bond acceptors ≤ 10: 2

Passes all four rules.

¹³C NMR shifts, predicted

Predictions, not measurements; each names its method. A measured log P, where a source reports one, is under Physical properties.

Safety

Danger

Harmonized EU classification (CLP Annex VI). Source [8].

Corrosive
Acute toxicity
Health hazard
Environmental hazard

NFPA 704[6]

H301Toxic if swallowed
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H317May cause an allergic skin reaction
H330Fatal if inhaled
H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
H335May cause respiratory irritation
H400Very toxic to aquatic life
H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Precautionary statements: P233, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, P501

View all classifications (4)

[8] Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · DangerH301, H314, H317, H330, H334, H335, H400, H411
[9] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 2123) of reports.
[9] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · 2,123 reports · DangerH318, H330, H331, H335, H400, H411
[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · DangerH302, H314, H317, H318, H334, H401, H412

Exposure limits

PEL: None See Appendix G[5]
REL-C (Ceiling): 0.2 ppm (0.8 mg/m³)[4]
REL: C 0.2 ppm (0.8 mg/m3) See Appendix C (Aldehydes)[5]
TLV: (ceiling value): 0.05 ppm as STEL; (DSEN); (RSEN); A4 (not classifiable as a human carcinogen).[3]
TLV-C (Ceiling): 0.05 ppm [1998][4]
IDLH: N.D. See: IDLH index[5]

First aid

Eyes: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. Immediately transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. Skin: Immediately flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing.[1]
(General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water.[5]
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention.[3]
Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer for medical attention .[3]

Storage

Store only in original container. Well closed. Separated from food and feedstuffs, incompatible materials and amines. Separated from strong oxidizers and strong bases. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Keep in the dark.[3]
Store only in original container. Well closed. Keep in the dark. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.[3]
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature: -20 °C. Store under inert gas. Air sensitive.[6]
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong acids, caustics, ammonia, amines, oxidizers.[6]

Incompatibilities

Incompatible materials: Strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids.[6]
A strong reducing agent. Incompatible with strong acids, caustics, ammonia, amines, strong oxidizers. Alkaline solutions of gluaraldehyde (i.e., activated glutaraldehyde) react with alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines, and proteins.[6]
Strong oxidizers, strong bases [Note: Alkaline solutions of glutaraldehyde (i.e., activated glutaraldehyde) react with alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines and proteins].[6]
Strong oxidizers, strong bases [Note: Alkaline solutions of glutaraldehyde (i.e., activated glutaraldehyde) react with alcohol, ketones, amines, hydrazines & proteins.][5]

Safety data sheets on the supplier’s page: LGC Standards, MP Biomedicals, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet before working with it.

Spectra

Experimental spectra held by these sources; each link opens the source's own record.

Literature

Reading PubChem, OpenAlex and GSRS…

Bioactivity

Reading ChEMBL…

References

[1]CAMEO Chemicals · Public domain (NOAA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[2]EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) · Public domain (US EPA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[3]ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) · CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[4]Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) · Public domain (US DOL) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[5]The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) · Public domain (US CDC) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[6]Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · Public domain (US NLM) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[7]PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy · Public domain (US DOE) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[8]Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · EU reuse policy, CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[9]European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · ECHA legal notice: reuse with acknowledgement · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[10]Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[11]SpectraBase · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[12]MassBank of North America (MoNA) · CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[13]NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[14]MassBank Europe · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
·Calculated values: computed by Athanor with RDKit 2026.09 from the structure.
·Literature on PubChem

Data last updated 2026-10-14.