Methylglyoxal

Methylglyoxal

Synonyms: 1,2-Propanedione;1-Ketopropionaldehyde;2-oxo-propana;2-oxo-propionaldehyd;Acetylformyl;alpha-Ketopropionaldehyde;CH3COCHO;Glyoxal, methyl CAS: 78-98-8 MF: C3H4O2 MW: 72.06 EINECS: 201-164-8

Chemical Properties clear yellow to yellow-brown solution General Description Clear yellow slightly viscous liquid with a pungent odor. Yellowish-green vapors. Faintly acidic to litmus. Air & Water Reactions Water soluble. Reactivity Profile Methylglyoxal polymerizes readily. Methylglyoxal is hygroscopic.

Methylglyoxal is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and bases. Methylglyoxal is an aldehyde. Aldehydes are frequently involved in self-condensation or polymerization reactions. These reactions are exothermic; they are often catalyzed by acid. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to give carboxylic acids.

Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of aldehydes with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Aldehydes can react with air to give first peroxo acids, and ultimately carboxylic acids.

These autoxidation reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by the products of the reaction). The addition of stabilizers (antioxidants) to shipments of aldehydes retards autoxidation. Fire Hazard Literature sources indicate that Methylglyoxal is nonflammable.