Chemical
Glyoxal
CAS 107-22-2 · EC 203-474-9 · C2H2O2
Also known as ethanedial, oxaldehyde
Sold as a roughly 40% aqueous solution. Used as a safer alternative to formaldehyde for hardening gelatin sizing, but it is still a suspected mutagen, a skin sensitiser and harmful if inhaled.
- Signal word
- Warning
- CAS
- 107-22-2
- EC number
- 203-474-9
- UK/EU status
- No UK or EU restrictions recorded
Handle chemistry safely
Wear gloves and eye protection, work with good ventilation, and read the supplier’s safety data sheet before use. Hazard information here is a summary, not a replacement for it. Dispose of all photographic chemistry correctly, in line with local laws and your local authority’s guidance. Never mix waste solutions, and check the supplier’s safety data sheet before disposing of anything.
Hazards
Official EU classification (CLP Annex VI).
Harmonised classes (for the solution, 'glyoxal ...%'): Muta. 2 (H341); Acute Tox. 4 (Inhalation)* (H332); Skin Irrit. 2 (H315); Eye Irrit. 2 (H319); Skin Sens. 1 (H317). Asterisked codes in Annex VI denote minimum classification/route not specified.
Signal word: Warning
Serious health hazard · Harmful or irritant
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
Photographic uses
- gelatin size hardener for gum bichromate and gum over platinum or cyanotype paper (Harmon)