SPI-Chem™ EM Grade Glutaraldehyde for Electron and Light Microscopy

Explanation of Hazardous Labels

Molecular formula: C₅H₈0₂
Appearance: Water-like clear liquid
Odor: Sharp pungent odor and noticed at once
FSC: 6810

Glutaraldehyde (various percentages)

CAS # 111-30-8

NIOSH (RTECS) No. MA2450000

EINECS # 203-856-5

Water (various percentages by difference)

CAS # 7732-18-5

NIOSH (RTECS) No. ZC0110000

EINECS # 231-791-2

pH: 3.7-4.5 (50% @ 20° C)
vapor pressure: 17 mm Hg @ 20° C
B.P.: 370.4° C/699° F
M.P.: -14° C/6.8° F
Decomposition temperature: {CORRECT: "370.4° F" TO "370.4° F"}
Solubility: Soluble in water 100%
Molecular weight: 100.05
UN2810 Hazard Class: 8 Corrosive Liquid, NOS

Glutaraldehyde is the most widely used fixative in the life science microscope laboratory and when used for electron microscopy, it is usually used in conjunction with osmium tetroxide.

The SPI-CHEM™ EM Grade glutaraldehyde offers the ultimate purity: It is stable, fresh and sealed under dry nitrogen in prescored glass ampoules. We guarantee that it is the highest quality EM glutaraldehyde available anywhere. We recommend this grade of glutaraldehyde for any work being done at the EM level. The aqueous dissolved products are by far the most popular but certain protocols require either anhydrous or even methanol or ethanol dissolved formulations.

The SPI-CHEM™ Biological Grade glutaraldehyde is a real cost saver - less than half the price of our EM grade glutaraldehyde... with the same strength to preserve samples. Please note that the shelf-life is somewhat shorter than the shelf-life of our EM grade and it must be kept refrigerated at all times. For foreign shipments outside the USA, consider purchasing in the Green OK-SPI 30 ml bottles in order to save on shipping costs. However, all things considered, it might be cheaper to just purchase the EM grade glutaraldehyde which will cost more but the shipping costs will be less.

Are refrigerated shipments necessary?

This has been over the years a topic that has been actively discussed, including various listserver postings on the internet. In general, we do not believe that the SPI-Chem EM grade glutaraldehyde needs to be shipped refrigerated, even in the peak of summer. However, there might be times when a refrigerated shipment might be appropriate, so our customers should have some awareness of our thoughts on refrigerated shipments of EM grade glutaraldehyde.

Anhydrous Grade, 10 % solution, available either in ethanol or methanol, was originally developed for cryo work, that is, at liquid nitrogen or liquid helium temperatures. No moisture can be tolerated at all and EM grade glutaraldehyde must be used in that has been specially dehydrated. The main users who would benefit the most from the anhydrous glutaraldehyde are those doing rapid freezing or quenching, or other related "slamming" techniques where the tissue is literally being "slammed" on a highly polished metal surface. Product is available standard in acetone, methanol, and ethanol but ask us about other solvents.

Further safety considerations:

As part of your "sharps" injury loss prevention program, always open ampoules with an SPI Supplies brand glass ampoule breaker.