Methylglyoxal
Agent Name
Methylglyoxal
Alternative Name
Pyruvaldehyde
CAS Number
78-98-8
Formula
C3-H4-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Pyruvaldehyde; 1-Ketopropionaldehyde; 2-Ketopropionaldehyde; 2-Oxopropanal; 2-Oxopropionaldehyde; Acetalformaldehyde; Acetylformaldehyde; Acetylformyl; Glyoxal, methyl; Methyl glyoxal; Propanal, 2-oxo-; Propanedione; Propanolone; Propionaldehyde, 2-keto; Propionaldehyde, 2-oxo-; Pyroracemic aldehyde; Pyruvic aldehyde; alpha-Ketopropionaldehyde; alpha-Ketopropionic aldehyde; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Aldehydes
Description
Clear to yellow hygroscopic liquid with a pungent odor; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used in organic synthesis, as a flavoring agent, and in tanning leather; [ChemIDplus]
Comments
A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [CAMEO] Oral LD50 (rat) = 1165 mg/kg; [HSDB] An severe eye irritant; Harmful if swallowed; [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
26.7 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
IARC Carcinogen
Not classifiable
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: