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Phthalaldehyde

CAS Number
643-79-8
EC Number
211-402-2
Chemical Formula
C8H6O2
Molecular Weight
134.13 g/mol

Description

o-Phthalaldehyde (CAS 643-79-8 ), commonly abbreviated as OPA, is an aromatic dialdehyde used across pharmaceutical, personal care, and specialty chemical manufacturing. It functions primarily as a high-level disinfectant and chemical intermediate. This material is highly valued for its reactivity with amine-containing compounds. In healthcare settings, OPA is the active biocidal agent in cold sterilization solutions for heat-sensitive medical instruments, particularly endoscopes. It often outperforms glutaraldehyde in speed and efficacy for clinical applications. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a synthetic building block in the production of APIs and heterocyclic compounds where dual aldehyde groups enable reactions. These dual groups allow for controlled condensation reactions during synthesis. In analytical chemistry and diagnostics, OPA serves as a fluorometric reagent for detecting primary amines and amino acids in HPLC workflows. Personal care formulators have explored its antimicrobial properties in preservation systems for rinse-off and professional-use products. OPA is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline solid for various industrial uses. Liquid solution forms are also available for ready-to-use disinfectant applications. Standard commercial grades include high-purity synthesis-grade material suitable for pharmaceutical intermediates and solution concentrates. These concentrates are formulated to defined active concentrations for medical device disinfection. Buyers should confirm purity specifications against USP or equivalent compendial standards depending on requirements. Contact us for supply of Phthalaldehyde Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

1,2-benzenedicarboxaldehyde | o-phthalaldehyde | OPA

Key Technical Features

  • High Purity Grade standard
  • Consistent Batch Quality
  • Full Regulatory & REACH Support
  • Global Logistics Network enabled

Physical Properties

Melting Point56 °C
Boiling Point83-84 °C (0.7501 mmHg)
Density1.13
Flash Point>230 °F
AppearanceLight yellow powder
Coloryellow
Formpowder
Water Solubilitysoluble
Vapor Pressure0.56Pa at 25℃
Refractive Index1.4500 (estimate)
pH7 (53g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P0.99 at 30℃

Safety & Handling

Danger
GHS02· FlammableGHS05· CorrosiveGHS06· ToxicGHS07· IrritantGHS08· Health HazardGHS09· Environment

Hazard Statements

H228Flammable solid
H301Toxic if swallowed
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H315Causes skin irritation
H317May cause an allergic skin reaction
H318Causes serious eye damage
H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
H335May cause respiratory irritation
H370Causes damage to organs
H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H373May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H400Very toxic to aquatic life
H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Precautionary Statements

P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233Keep container tightly closed.
P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241Use explosion-proof equipment.
P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273Avoid release to the environment.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P319Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P330Rinse mouth.
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P391Collect spillage.
P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
P405Store locked up.
P501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.
P265Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P378Use … for extinction.
P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P331Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29122900
UN Number2923
ADR Class8
Packing GroupII
Storage Class6.1A - Combustible acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2 very toxic hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)3