Glutaraldehyde

Industrial Grade · Biocide Grade — Bulk supply across India & International Markets

What is Glutaraldehyde?

Glutaraldehyde is a saturated dialdehyde supplied as a clear, colourless to pale yellow aqueous solution, widely recognised as one of the most effective broad-spectrum disinfectants and biocides available. Its dual aldehyde functional groups allow it to cross-link proteins effectively, giving it potent antimicrobial action against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, as well as valuable protein cross-linking properties exploited in leather tanning and other industrial applications.

Polychem Industries supplies Glutaraldehyde in industrial and biocide grade aqueous solutions to water treatment companies, oilfield service providers, leather tanning operations, and disinfectant product manufacturers across India and internationally. Its potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity combined with its protein cross-linking chemistry make it a uniquely versatile industrial chemical across disinfection and tanning applications.

Sensitisation & Handling Notice

Glutaraldehyde is a strong sensitiser and can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation on exposure, with repeated exposure potentially leading to sensitisation reactions. Use only in well-ventilated areas with appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection where required. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact and inhalation of vapours.

Available Grades

GradeFormPurityStandardApplications
Industrial / Biocide GradeClear colourless to pale yellow liquid25% / 50% aqueous solution (common concentrations)IndustrialDisinfection, water treatment, leather tanning, oilfield biocide

Applications & Uses

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Industrial Water Treatment

Widely used as a biocide in industrial cooling water systems, water injection systems, and process water treatment to control bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and microbiologically influenced corrosion in industrial water circuits.

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Oilfield Biocide

A critical biocide in the oil and gas industry, used in hydraulic fracturing fluids, produced water systems, and pipeline treatments to control sulphate-reducing bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause souring and corrosion in oilfield operations.

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Disinfectants & Sterilants

Used as an active ingredient in high-level disinfectant and cold sterilisation formulations for medical and laboratory equipment, valued for its broad-spectrum effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and bacterial spores.

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Leather Tanning

Used in leather tanning processes as a cross-linking agent, providing an alternative or complement to chromium-based tanning, contributing to leather softness, light fastness, and certain performance characteristics in finished leather.

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Industrial Preservative

Used as a preservative in various industrial formulations including certain metalworking fluids, paints, and adhesives, helping prevent microbial spoilage and extend the shelf life of these water-containing products.

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Laboratory & Histology Applications

Used as a fixative in laboratory and histological sample preparation, taking advantage of its protein cross-linking properties to preserve tissue structure for microscopic examination.

Technical Specifications

Glutaraldehyde — Key Properties

Chemical FormulaC5H8O2 (OHC(CH2)3CHO)
CAS Number111-30-8
Molecular Weight100.12 g/mol
AppearanceClear, colourless to pale yellow liquid
Purity25% / 50% aqueous solution (common concentrations)
Boiling Point187–189°C (decomposes)
Density / Bulk Density1.06–1.13 g/cm3 (solution dependent)
pH3.0 – 4.5 (acidic, as supplied)
Packaging Available25 kg / 50 kg HDPE drums / 200 L drums
StorageStore in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep sealed — can polymerise/degrade over time, especially at elevated pH or temperature.

Why Source Glutaraldehyde from Polychem Industries?

  • Industrial Grade and Biocide Grade aqueous solutions available
  • Certificate of Analysis and comprehensive MSDS available on request
  • Broad-spectrum effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores
  • Reliable bulk supply for water treatment and oilfield service companies
  • Competitive pricing with consistent quality
  • Export documentation experience for international shipments

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Glutaraldehyde considered such an effective disinfectant?
Glutaraldehyde's effectiveness as a disinfectant comes from its two aldehyde functional groups, which readily react with and cross-link proteins in microbial cell walls and structures. This cross-linking action disrupts essential cellular functions and structures across a very broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even resistant bacterial spores, making it one of the most broadly effective chemical disinfectants available.
What concentration of Glutaraldehyde is typically supplied?
Glutaraldehyde is commonly supplied as aqueous solutions at various concentrations, with 25% and 50% being among the most common industrial concentrations. The appropriate concentration depends on the specific application — lower concentrations are often used for diluted disinfectant or biocide treatments, while higher concentrations may be used as concentrates for further dilution or for applications requiring higher active content.
What safety precautions are necessary when working with Glutaraldehyde?
Glutaraldehyde is a strong sensitiser that can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, with the potential for sensitisation reactions developing with repeated exposure. It should always be handled in well-ventilated areas with appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection where vapour exposure risk is present. Full MSDS documentation should be reviewed before handling.
Do you export Glutaraldehyde outside India?
Yes. We export to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and South Africa with full export documentation. Contact us for export pricing and lead times.

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