Glyoxylic Acid CAS 298-12-4 is a bifunctional organic intermediate chemically defined as oxoacetic acid , functioning primarily as a key precursor in the synthesis of vanillin, allantoin, and pharmaceutical actives. Supplied typically as a refined aqueous solution, this electrophilic aldehyde-acid is utilized to facilitate condensation reactions in agrochemical production and serves as a cross-linking agent in specialized polymer formulations. We provide professional access to this material with competitive factory pricing and the ability to meet customized specifications for various manufacturing requirements. Our commitment to technical transparency ensures that every shipment is accompanied by comprehensive MSDS, TDS, COA documentation to support your quality assurance protocols, and we maintain capacity for consistent bulk supply to facilitate large-scale industrial operations.
Glyoxylic Acid CAS 298-12-4
- CAS: 298-12-4
- Synonyms: Oxoacetic acid, Formylformic acid, Oxoethanoic acid, alpha-Ketoacetic acid, Glyoxalic acid
- Einecs: 206-058-5
- Molecular Formula: C2H2O3
- Grade: Industrial Grade / Pharma Grade
- Package: 25kg/Plastic Drum, 250kg/Plastic Drum, or 1250kg IBC Tank.
Product Description
Why source our Glyoxylic Acid?
- Low Glyoxal Content: For downstream synthesis like Allantoin or Vanillin, glyoxal residue is a “poison.” Our electrolytic process keeps Glyoxal levels typically < 1.0% (and even lower for premium grades).
- Excellent Color Stability: We control the iron and heavy metal content strictly, ensuring the liquid remains clear and doesn’t darken significantly over time, which is critical for the fragrance industry.
- Formaldehyde-Free Alternative: In the personal care sector, our Glyoxylic Acid is widely exported as a safe, effective cross-linking agent for keratin hair treatments.
Physicochemical Properties
These values represent our standard 50% Industrial Grade batch.
| Parameter | Specification (Typical Data) |
|---|---|
| Assay (Glyoxylic Acid) | 50.0% ± 0.5% |
| Appearance | Clear Liquid, Colorless to Pale Yellow |
| Glyoxal Residue | ≤ 1.0% (Standard) / ≤ 0.5% (High Purity) |
| Nitric Acid Residue | ≤ 0.05% |
| Oxalic Acid Residue | ≤ 1.0% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 50 |
| Density (20°C) | 1.33 – 1.35 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | Miscible in water and alcohol |
Core Applications
- Aroma Chemicals:
- The primary raw material for Ethyvanillin and Vanillin. It is also used in the synthesis of heliotropin.
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates:
- Used to produce Allantoin (skin soothing agent), Atenolol (beta-blocker), and various broad-spectrum antibiotics like Amoxicillin.
- Personal Care (Hair Care):
- Increasingly popular in “Organic” hair straightening products. It works by reacting with the hair’s keratin without the safety concerns associated with formaldehyde.
- Agrochemicals:
- Used in the synthesis of several herbicides and plant growth regulators.
- Water Treatment:
- Acts as a highly effective chelating agent in specific industrial cleaning formulations.
Storage & Stability Conditions
- Corrosivity: Glyoxylic acid is acidic. It must be stored in Plastic (PE/PP) or glass-lined containers. Avoid contact with carbon steel or stainless steel for long periods as it will cause corrosion and discoloration of the product.
- Temperature: Store in a cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight. While it is stable at room temperature, keeping it in a cool place (below 25°C) helps maintain the APHA color value for longer periods.
- Sealing: Keep the drum tightly closed. Exposure to air won’t make it explode, but it can lead to minor concentration changes due to evaporation or moisture absorption.
Safety Precautions
- Acidity: The pH of a 50% solution is very low. It is corrosive to skin and eyes.
- Personal Protection: When handling, always wear acid-resistant gloves (Nitrile), safety goggles, and protective clothing. If it splashes on the skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
- Inhalation: Ensure the working area has good local exhaust ventilation. Avoid breathing in vapors, especially if the liquid is being heated.
- Spills: In case of a leak, neutralize with a basic solution (like soda ash or lime) before cleaning up with absorbent materials.
Partner with a Professional Supply Chain
We understand that for European and American importers, documentation is as important as the chemical itself. We provide full REACH registration support, updated SDS (GHS compliant), and palletized shipping with extra-strength strapping to ensure zero leakage during sea freight.
Ready to discuss your annual requirements? 📧 Reach out to us: info@industrochem.com
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Glyoxylic Acid CAS 298-12-4?
A: Glyoxylic Acid CAS 298-12-4 is a C2 alpha-keto acid with molecular formula C2H2O3, molecular weight 74.04, and EINECS number 206-058-5. It is also known as oxoacetic acid or formylformic acid. -
Q:
Why is Glyoxylic Acid supplied as a 50% aqueous solution?
A: Commercial glyoxylic acid is usually handled as a water solution because the anhydrous material is difficult to isolate and keep stable. The 50% solution form is easier to feed into reactors, reduces handling risk, and is suitable for downstream synthesis while still providing a defined active content. -
Q:
What are the main industrial uses of Glyoxylic Acid?
A: Glyoxylic Acid is a versatile C2 building block used to make vanillin and ethyl vanillin, heliotropin, allantoin, and pharmaceutical intermediates. It is also used in selected agrochemical, dye, and fine-chemical synthesis routes. -
Q:
Why is low glyoxal content important in Glyoxylic Acid?
A: Glyoxal is an unwanted residue that can interfere with downstream reactions such as allantoin and vanillin synthesis and can affect color stability. Low-glyoxal material is therefore preferred for high-purity fragrance, pharmaceutical, and personal-care applications. -
Q:
How is Glyoxylic Acid used in hair-care products?
A: Glyoxylic Acid is used as a crosslinking active in some keratin hair-straightening and smoothing treatments. It is positioned as a formaldehyde-free alternative, so controlled glyoxal, nitric acid, oxalic acid, and color values are important for cosmetic-grade material. -
Q:
How should Glyoxylic Acid solution be stored and handled?
A: Store it in closed plastic drums or IBC tanks in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight. The solution is miscible with water and alcohol and should be protected from conditions that could promote discoloration or degradation.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.
Quotation
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.





