PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Clear yellow slightly viscous liquid with a pungent odor. Yellowish-green vapors. Faintly acidic to litmus. (NTP, 1992)

• Polymerizable

Water soluble.

Literature sources indicate that this chemical is nonflammable. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include irritation of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is an irritant of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke, irritating fumes and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. (NTP, 1992)

METHYLGLYOXAL polymerizes readily. It is hygroscopic. This chemical is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and bases. (NTP, 1992) METHYLGLYOXAL is an aldehyde. Aldehydes are frequently involved in self-condensation or polymerization reactions. These reactions are exothermic; they are often catalyzed by acid. Aldehydes are readily oxidized to give carboxylic acids. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of aldehydes with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Aldehydes can react with air to give first peroxo acids, and ultimately carboxylic acids. These autoxidation reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by the products of the reaction). The addition of stabilizers (antioxidants) to shipments of aldehydes retards autoxidation.

• Aldehydes
• Ketones
• Polymerizable Compounds

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]:

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

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you should spill this chemical, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Seal the absorbent paper, as well as any of your clothing which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash any surfaces you may have contaminated with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should keep this material in a tightly closed container under an inert atmosphere, and store it at refrigerated temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: When working with this chemical, wear a NIOSH-approved full face chemical cartridge respirator equipped with the appropriate organic vapor cartridges. If that is not available, a half face respirator similarly equipped plus airtight goggles can be substituted. However, please note that half face respirators provide a substantially lower level of protection than do full face respirators. (NTP, 1992)

No information available.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

• ACETYLFORMALDEHYDE
• ACETYLFORMYL
• ALPHA-KETOPROPIONALDEHYDE
• GLYOXAL, METHYL
• 1-KETOPROPIONALDEHYDE
• 2-KETOPROPIONALDEHYDE
• METHYLGLYOXAL
• NSC 79019
• 2-OXOPROPANAL
• 2-OXOPROPANOL
• 2-OXOPROPIONALDEHYDE
• PROPANEDIONE
• PROPANOLONE
• PYRORACEMIC ALDEHYDE
• PYRUVALDEHYDE
• PYRUVIC ALDEHYDE