Glutaraldehyde is used for cross-linking proteins and polyhydroxy materials. Also used as a fixative for tissues and as an amine-reactive homobi functional crosslinker and as a disinfectant for medical equipment. It is also used in coupling reaction of biotin hydrazides to nucleic acids which is useful for conjugating fluorescent hydrazides and hydroxylamine's to DNA and for stabilization of proteins on agarose beads, activation of polystyrene and glass, for immobilization of antibodies and antigens. It is a disinfectant, which is rapidly effective against vegetative forms of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

• Signal Word Danger
• H302 + H332 - Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled
• H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
• H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction
• H334 - May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
• H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life
• H411 - Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Miscible with water, ethanol, benzene, ether, acetone, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, isopropanol, n-hexane and toluene.