Glyoxylic acid
Agent Name
Glyoxylic acid
CAS Number
298-12-4
Formula
C2-H2-O3
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Acetic acid, oxo-; Formic acid, formyl-; Formylformic acid; GLYOXYLIC ACID; Glyoxalic acid; Kyselina glyoxylova [Czech]; Oxalaldehydic acid; Oxoacetic acid; Oxoethanoic acid; alpha-Ketoacetic acid; [ChemIDplus] UN3265
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Solid with an obnoxious odor; Deliquesces quickly to form a syrup in contact with air; [Merck Index] Found as colorless to straw-yellow 50% aqueous solution; [CAMEO] 50% aqueous solution is colorless to light yellow viscous liquid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Found in unripe fruit, young green leaves, and very young sugar beets; [Merck Index] Used to make flavorings, perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, plastics, agricultural chemicals, and vanillin; Also used as a cleaning agent for a variety of industrial applications; [HSDB]
Comments
Corrosive acid; [Merck Index] Emergency treatment: see "Oxalic acid." A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant; [HSDB] May cause irritation or burns to skin and eyes; [CAMEO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
1.06 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Corrosive liquid, acidic, organic, n.o.s." VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.