GLYOXYLIC ACID (50% OR LESS)

Supplied as a 50% aqueous solution. Colorless to straw yellow. (USCG, 1999)

none

No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form. (ERG, 2020)

Contact will cause severe eye and skin burns. Vapor exposure may cause eye and skin irritation. (USCG, 1999)

GLYOXYLIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. Preparative hazard, nitric acid and glyoxal to produce glyoxylic acid has had explosive consequences. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Carboxylic acids with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble carboxylic acids react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.

• Acids, Carboxylic
• Water and Aqueous Solutions

No information available.

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Avoid direct contact between water and acid.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide or water spray. (USCG, 1999)

Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Lime. (USCG, 1999)

Wear full impervious protective clothing and approved respirator. Where splashing is possible wear full face shield or chemical safety goggles. Use approved respirator to protect against vapors. (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

Get medical attention.

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

EYES: Flush with water for at least 15 min., lifting lids occasionally.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush with water.

INGESTION: Dilute with milk, lime water, or aluminum hydroxide. (USCG, 1999)

• FORMYL FORMIC ACID
• GLYOXYLIC ACID (50% OR LESS)
• OXACETIC ACID
• OXOETHANOIC ACID