Week 6

Glutaraldehyde

(5 carbon) Cold chemical sterilant- steralizes surfaces without heat; Disinfectant in soaps/ detergents; Not as irritating odor as HCHO; Often used with HCHO to lessen fixative properties; Once activated, can go bad in 2 weeks, unless buffered to pH of 7

Formaldehyde (HCHO)

(Methanal, Methanaldehyde) Simplest Aldehyde; Formalin is a solution of ____________ in water; prepared by partial oxidation of methanol

Amides

organic compounds produced when organic acids react with amines

Hydroxy Acids

Citrates (react with Staph toxins to produce clotting) no longer used

Properties of HCHO

Colorless Gas; Irritating Odor; Soluable in water; Polymerizes to paraformaldehyde; Oxidizes to formic acid; Rated by index

Urea

is amide that can get into blood. It interferes with HCHO, thereby increasing HCHO demand. The HCHO is tied up with the ____, and can't get to the tissue

Acetic Acid (Ethanoic Acid)

Vinegar- end product of ethane partial oxidation process

Benzaldehyde

An aromatic aldehyde derived from benzene; Used in funeral service as a deodorant, smells like almonds

Acetaldehyde

Ethanal; An aldehyde made from partial oxidation of Ethyl Alcohol; Used to lessen fixative properties of formaldehyde

Ethane Partial Oxidation

Ethane ---> Ethanol ---> Acetaldehyde (Ethanal)---> Ethanoic (Acetic) Acid

Dicarboxylic Acids

Oxalates (toxic to embalmer) no longer used

Glyoxal

A larger aldehyde; As effective as HCHO but turns skin yellow; No longer used

Lactic Acid

Once thought to produce Rigor Mortis. Not true.

Amines

organic compounds containing nitrogen, often produced from ammonia (EX: Ptomaines known as Putrecine & Cadaverine)

Acetone

Nail polish remover; Used to remove bandage adhesive, road tar & organic stains

Formic Acid (Methanoic Acid)

end product of methane partial oxidation process: Pungent Odor; Blistering Agent

Formaldehyde Uses

Disinfectant & Preservatives. used in funeral service because it CROSSLINKS with nitrogen atoms and biochemical compounds such as proteins. It "locks them" up there by fixing the tissue

Methane Partial Oxidation

Methane ---> Methanol ---> Methanal (HCHO)---> Formic (methanoic) Acid

Esters

Perfuming agents