Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde (CAS 111-30-8), also known as glutaric dialdehyde and commercially supplied as GA 50%, is a reactive dialdehyde used across industrial and life science sectors as a biocide and fixative. Its dual aldehyde groups allow it to form stable bonds with proteins and other biological substrates, making it effective for preservation, sterilization, and material hardening applications in various fields.

In water treatment, it controls microbial growth in cooling towers, oilfield injection systems, and industrial process water where oxidizing biocides are unsuitable for the specific operating environment. Leather and textile processors use it to cross-link collagen fibers during tanning and to improve wet strength and dimensional stability in treated materials during the manufacturing process.

In biotechnology and life sciences, it functions as a tissue fixative and enzyme immobilization agent, supporting histology, diagnostic kit manufacturing, and specialized biosensor production. Personal care formulators apply it at low concentrations as a preservative booster in rinse-off products where broad-spectrum antimicrobial performance is required for product safety and shelf life.

This chemical is most commonly supplied as a 50% aqueous solution, with 25% and lower-concentration grades available for applications requiring diluted handling and specific safety protocols. Technical and biocide-grade specifications are standard across the market, with purity and concentration verified by titration or GC methods. Packaging ranges from drums to IBC totes for volume.