Description

Glycolaldehyde is the simplest possible aldose sugar, a fundamental building block in carbohydrate chemistry and a key intermediate in the Maillard reaction. Its high reactivity and bifunctional nature make it a valuable precursor for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. This compound is essential for researchers and manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, flavor & fragrance, and life science industries.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Synthesis: A key intermediate for producing nucleoside analogs, antiviral drugs, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Flavor & Fragrance Industry: A crucial reactant in the Maillard reaction for creating complex caramel, roasted, and savory flavor compounds.
• Biochemical Research: Used as a model compound in glycation studies, metabolic pathway research, and as a cross-linking agent.
• Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a versatile C2 building block for synthesizing imidazoles, pyrazines, and other nitrogen-containing heterocycles.
• Cosmetic Science: Investigated for its role in advanced glycation end-product (AGE) research related to skin aging.
• Polymer Chemistry: Acts as a monomer or cross-linker in the development of biodegradable and functional polymers.

Basic Information

Product Name	Glycolaldehyde
CAS No.	141-46-8
Molecular Formula	C2H4O2
Molecular Weight	60.05 g/mol
Synonyms	Hydroxyacetaldehyde; 2-Hydroxyacetaldehyde; 2-Hydroxyethanal; Glycidaldehyde; Aldol; Dihydroxyethylene; Glycolic aldehyde; Formylmethanol; Ethylene glycol aldehyde; α-Hydroxyacetaldehyde
EINECS	205-484-9

Quality Control

Our Glycolaldehyde is produced and tested under a strict quality management system. We provide comprehensive analytical data to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and compliance with customer specifications. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA), including purity assay and impurity profile, is supplied with every shipment.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place at room temperature (15-25°C). This product is easily oxidized; for long-term storage, an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) is recommended.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid / crystalline solid
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 95.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 2.0%

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.