GLUTARALDEHYDE Meaning and
Definition
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Glutaraldehyde is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C5H8O2. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor. Glutaraldehyde is primarily used as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent due to its strong antimicrobial properties.
In medical and healthcare settings, glutaraldehyde is commonly used for the sterilization of medical instruments, particularly those that cannot be safely heat-sterilized. It effectively kills a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Glutaraldehyde achieves this by cross-linking proteins in the microbial cells, disrupting their structure and function.
Apart from medical applications, glutaraldehyde finds use in various industrial processes. It is employed as a fixative in tissue preservation, as a hardening agent in histology for microscope slides, and as a component of embalming fluids. Glutaraldehyde also has uses in the manufacturing of plastics, resins, and adhesives.
However, despite its efficacy, glutaraldehyde can be harmful to human health and must be handled with caution. The liquid can cause severe skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of vapors can lead to respiratory irritation and damage. Prolonged or repeated exposure can also lead to allergic reactions. Due to these health risks, it is important to use proper protective measures and ensure adequate ventilation when working with glutaraldehyde.
Common Misspellings for GLUTARALDEHYDE
- flutaraldehyde
- vlutaraldehyde
- blutaraldehyde
- hlutaraldehyde
- ylutaraldehyde
- tlutaraldehyde
- gkutaraldehyde
- gputaraldehyde
- goutaraldehyde
- glytaraldehyde
- glhtaraldehyde
- gljtaraldehyde
- glitaraldehyde
- gl8taraldehyde
- gl7taraldehyde
- gluraraldehyde
- glufaraldehyde
- glugaraldehyde
- gluyaraldehyde
- glu6araldehyde
Etymology of GLUTARALDEHYDE
The word "glutaraldehyde" has its roots in two parts: "glutar-" and "-aldehyde".
The first part, "glutar-", is derived from the name of a compound called "glutaric acid". This acid is a dicarboxylic acid with a chemical formula C5H8O4, and it derives its name from "gluten", a Latin word meaning "glue" or "paste". This is because glutaric acid was initially obtained from the hydrolysis of gluten, a protein found in wheat.
The second part, "-aldehyde", refers to a functional group in organic chemistry known as an aldehyde (-CHO). This group consists of a carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and a double-bonded oxygen atom. The name "aldehyde" itself is derived from the Latin word "alcohol dehydrogenatum", meaning "dehydrogenated alcohol".
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