Glutaric acid: I have found some old glutaric acid in my chemical store and would like to know if it is an approved chemical for use in schools.
It has an orange dot on the container, but I have no information in the old CSIS or on the ASSIST List of recommended chemicals for science list. Thanks.
Submitted by sat on 09 September 2016
Answer reviewed 30 January 2023
When considering the suitability of a chemical for use in schools, it should be determined if there is a particular use in supporting the curriculum. If it is deemed useful, then it should be assessed for safety in the school setting, in particular, how it will be used, as well as the nature of the products of any chemical reactions.
We are unaware of any particular use for glutaric acid in the Australian curriculum and therefore it is not currently on our list. However, if you have a specific reason for its use, then let us know, so that we can consider adding it to the List of recommended chemicals for science in Australian schools.
In keeping with good housekeeping practice, it is important to keep chemicals to a minimum. Therefore, as you have indicated that it is an old chemical, and in the absence of any confirmed requirement for the curriculum, we suggest that you dispose of it. The SDS indicates a hazard statement H319 Causes serious eye irritation and that disposal should be by a licenced chemical waste disposal contractor.
Sigma-Aldridge. (2022).'Glutaric acid' Safety Data Sheet, Please visit the Sigma-Aldrich website for the most recent version of this Safety Data Sheet: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/AU/en