Glyoxylic Acid 50% & 98% (CAS 298-12-4): Quality Standards, Industrial Applications & Global Supplier Insights

Introduction to Glyoxylic Acid (CAS 298-12-4) in Industrial Manufacturing

Glyoxylic acid (CAS 298-12-4), chemically represented as CHOCOOH, stands out as one of the most versatile organic intermediates in global chemical manufacturing. Featuring both an aldehyde group and a carboxylic acid group within a compact two-carbon molecule, its bifunctional reactivity makes it an essential building block for complex organic synthesis.
 
For chemical procurement officers, plant managers, and formulation chemists, securing a stable supply of high-grade glyoxylic acid is critical for downstream quality control. Whether utilized in pharmaceutical synthesis, agrochemical active ingredients, personal care formulations, or water treatment polymers, the choice between different purity grades directly impacts batch yield, reaction kinetics, and processing economics.
 
At Shandong Zhishang Chem Co., Ltd., we regularly partner with overseas procurement teams seeking high-purity glyoxylic acid backed by rigorous analytical documentation. This technical guide outlines the core distinction between common commercial grades, real-world application pathways, strict quality standards, and global supply chain strategies for industrial buyers.

Decoding Commercial Grades: 50% Aqueous Solution vs. 98% Monohydrate

When sourcing glyoxylic acid on a commercial scale, selecting the correct physical state and concentration is the first technical filter. Manufacturers typically offer two primary commercial specifications to accommodate diverse reaction environments:
 
ParameterGlyoxylic Acid 50% Aqueous SolutionGlyoxylic Acid 98% Monohydrate / Powder
CAS Registry No.298-12-4563-96-2 (Monohydrate) / 298-12-4
Physical AppearanceClear, light-yellow liquidWhite to off-white crystalline powder
Assay (Purity)≥ 50.0%≥ 98.0%
Glyoxal Content≤ 1.0% (Low-glyoxal grades available)≤ 0.5%
Primary Handling AdvantageReady for liquid metering; lower storage heating needsReduced freight mass; ideal for anhydrous chemistry
Target ApplicationAgrochemicals, hair cosmetics, water treatmentFine pharmaceutical intermediates, custom synthesis
  • Glyoxylic Acid 50% Liquid Solution: This is the workhorse of industrial chemistry. Delivered in drums or IBC totes, the liquid form minimizes dust exposure hazards and integrates seamlessly into continuous-flow or automated batch reactors. It is commonly synthesized via nitric acid oxidation or ozonolysis of maleic anhydride, followed by strict purification to eliminate residual glyoxal and nitric acid traces.

  • Glyoxylic Acid 98% Powder / Monohydrate: Designed for specialized synthetic routes where excess water adversely affects reaction equilibrium or hydrolyzes moisture-sensitive reactants. While requiring specialized storage to prevent moisture absorption, the 98% grade significantly lowers international ocean freight costs per unit of active compound.

Glyoxylic Acid 50% & 98% Supplier | CAS 298-12-4 Wholesale

Key Industrial Applications: From Pharmaceuticals to Cosmetic Care

The dual functionality of glyoxylic acid drives its demand across several high-value sectors:
 
1. Pharmaceutical Intermediates
Glyoxylic acid serves as a fundamental synthon for broad-spectrum antibiotics, cardiovascular medication intermediates, and amino acid derivatives. It is pivotal in synthesizing broad-spectrum penicillins and cephalosporins (such as amoxicillin precursor routes), hydroxy-substituted aromatic acids, and vanillin-based pharmaceuticals. High chemical purity with minimal heavy metal contamination is essential here to prevent catalyst poisoning during multi-step reactions.
 
2. Agrochemical Synthesis
In crop protection, glyoxylic acid acts as an essential intermediate for herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators. Derivatives such as glyoxylic acid oximes are used in modern agrochemical active ingredients that demand high selective efficiency and low environmental persistence.
 
3. Cosmetic & Personal Care Products
In recent years, the cosmetic sector has seen rapid growth in glyoxylic acid usage, specifically in professional hair care treatments. As a safer alternative to formaldehyde in hair straightening formulations, glyoxylic acid creates semi-permanent cross-links in hair keratin without releasing hazardous fumes when activated by heat styling tools.
 
4. Fine Chemicals, Flavors & Aroma Compounds
The synthetic pathway to ethyl vanillin and aroma compounds frequently uses glyoxylic acid via condensation with guaiacol. Furthermore, it serves as a key raw material for water-treatment polymers, ion-exchange resins, and paper-coating additives.

Technical Specifications & Quality Assurance Metrics

When evaluating potential suppliers, procuring teams must review critical Quality Assurance (QA) parameters beyond the basic assay number. Below are key Certificate of Analysis (COA) indicators that determine raw material performance:

  • Residual Glyoxal Content: Glyoxal is a common reaction byproduct. In cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, low-glyoxal material (≤0.5% or ≤1.0%) is mandated to strictly limit color shifting and unwanted cross-reactivity.

  • Nitric Acid & Heavy Metal Residuals: Depending on the synthesis route, residual oxidative acids can drop solution pH beyond acceptable limits or cause reactor corrosion. A premium COA should confirm heavy metals ≤ 10 ppm.

  • Clarity & Color Index (APHA): For liquid 50% solutions, low APHA color values indicate minimal thermal degradation during evaporation or distillation.

  • Formic Acid Levels: Controlled levels of formic acid (≤ 1.5%) ensure that secondary degradation pathways have not occurred during bulk transport or extended storage.

Quality Guarantee from Shandong Zhishang Chem: Every lot of Glyoxylic Acid (50% and 98%) shipped from our facility undergoes high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) testing. Batch-specific COA, SDS, and REACH registration documents are supplied with every order.

Chemical Handling, Storage & Safety Protocols

Glyoxylic acid is an organic acid with corrosive properties (UN 3265, Hazard Class 8, Packing Group II/III depending on concentration). Safe handling protocols are essential for industrial plant safety:

  • Storage Temperature: Liquid 50% solutions should be stored in cool, ventilated warehouses at temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. Exposure to direct sunlight or temperatures above 30°C accelerates self-condensation and darkening of the solution.

  • Material Compatibility: Due to its acidic nature (pH 1.0–2.0 for 50% solution), store and transport in acid-resistant materials such as HDPE drums, stainless steel 316L, or fluoropolymer-lined tanks. Avoid carbon steel, aluminum, or brass fittings.

  • Personal Protection: Industrial operators must utilize chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles with face shields, and appropriate ventilation to minimize vapor inhalation.

Glyoxylic Acid 50% & 98% Supplier | CAS 298-12-4 Wholesale

Global Supply Chain Dynamics & Sourcing Strategies for B2B Buyers

Navigating the global chemical market requires balancing competitive factory pricing with absolute supply continuity. For international buyers sourcing glyoxylic acid from China, consider these procurement guidelines:

  1. Factory Audits & Capacity Verification: Ensure your supplier maintains continuous production lines rather than seasonal batching, ensuring stable lead times during peak global demand periods.

  2. Packaging Integrity for Ocean Transit: Verify that export packaging meets UN standards. Standard shipping formats include 25kg plastic drums, 250kg HDPE drums, 1250kg IBC totes, and flexitanks for high-volume 50% liquid contracts.

  3. Regulatory & Environmental Compliance: Work with manufacturers adhering to ISO9001 quality management systems and local environmental protection regulations to avoid unexpected plant shutdowns during regional environmental inspections.

Why Partner with Shandong Zhishang Chem Co., Ltd.

As a global supply specialist of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, Shandong Zhishang Chem Co., Ltd. offers reliable B2B sourcing solutions designed for international buyers:

  • Strict Batch Consistency: Advanced distillation and crystallization lines deliver consistent purity levels across 50% liquid and 98% monohydrate products.

  • Comprehensive Sample Program: We offer complimentary lab-grade evaluation samples (100g–500g) for initial formulation testing and analytical validation before bulk commitments.

  • Flexible Global Logistics: Complete export expertise handling Hazmat shipping, custom palletization, full container loads (FCL), and consolidation options.

  • Dedicated Technical Support: One-on-one customer service backed by senior chemical engineers to assist with COA verification, MSDS inquiries, and custom packaging.

📩 Request a Quote & Free Sample for Glyoxylic Acid (CAS 298-12-4)

Looking for reliable bulk supply, updated pricing, or technical COA documents? Contact our export management team today:

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企业介绍

Zhishang Chem is located in Hisense Chuangzhi Valley, High tech Zone, Jinan City, Shandong Province. It is a professional fine chemical raw material source supplier that integrates research and development, supply, and foreign trade export. The company has been deeply involved in the field of fine chemicals for many years, specializing in various industrial and fine chemical raw material products. With stable source factory production capacity, strict quality control system, and mature cross-border supply chain, it can provide standardized and customized chemical raw material supply solutions for global customers.

We focus on foreign trade and chemical export business, familiar with quality inspection standards and compliance requirements of various countries, covering the entire process of product testing, packaging customization, logistics transportation, delivery and after-sales services. We always empower global procurement customers with stable supply, high-quality, and efficient services, effectively solving core pain points such as unstable procurement cycles, uneven quality, and cumbersome export compliance for customers.

Since its establishment, the company has always adhered to the development concept of integrity management and quality-oriented, and deeply cultivated the global chemical market. The core vision of the enterprise is to become the world’s most trusted chemical supplier, continuously deepen product upgrades and service optimization, and strive to provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable chemical raw material supply services for domestic and foreign partners, creating a highly competitive global chemical supply brand.

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