International Chemical Safety Cards

GLYOXAL ICSC: 1162
GLYOXAL
1,2-Ethanedione
Biformyl
Ethandial
C2H2O2/OHCCHO
Molecular mass: 58.04
CAS # 107-22-2
RTECS # MD2625000
ICSC # 1162
EC # 605-016-00-7
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.
NO open flames.
Powder, carbon dioxide. NO hydrous agents. NO water.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion as result of polymerization reactions.

In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water but NO direct contact with water.
 
EXPOSURE


INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN Redness.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety spectacles, or face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION Abdominal pain. Nausea. Sore throat. Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Consult an expert! Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Wash away spilled liquid with plenty of water. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, bases. Cool. Dry. Keep under inert gas. Store only if stabilized.
Airtight.
Xi symbol
R: 36/38
S: 26-28
Note: B
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 1162 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

GLYOXAL ICSC: 1162

I
M
P
O
R
T
A
N
T

D
A
T
A
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
PALE YELLOW LIQUID OR YELLOW CRYSTALS, TURNING WHITE ON COOLING.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance polymerizes quickly on standing or violently on contact with water, bases or moist air, with fire or explosion hazard. The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air. The substance is a strong reducing agent and reacts violently with oxidants, water, strong acids and bases. Reacts violently with water, strong acids, and bases. Reacts with amines, amides, aldehydes and hydroxyl-containing materials.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV not established.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
See Notes.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
 Boiling point: 51°C
Melting point: 15°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.14		 Solubility in water: reacts violently
Vapour pressure, kPa at about 20°C: 29.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
NOTES
The compound is commercially available in anhydrous form as crystalline dihydrate, or as a 40% aqueous solution which may contain polymerization inhibitors. Temperature of decomposition unknown in literature. Density of the liquid at boiling point: 1.14 kg/l. The substance is combustible but no flash point is available in literature. Explosive limits are unknown in literature. Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. Data are insufficiently available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken. An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 1162 GLYOXAL
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.