Ortopahtaaldehydi

Ortopahtaaldehydi, also known as o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C8H6O2. It is an aromatic dialdehyde that exists as a white to off-white crystalline solid. OPA is soluble in water and many organic solvents. It is known for its reactivity, particularly with primary amines and amino acids, forming fluorescent adducts. This property makes it useful in various analytical and biochemical applications.

One of the primary uses of ortopahtaaldehydi is as a fluorescent derivatization reagent. In high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), it is widely employed to detect and quantify amino acids, peptides, and proteins. The reaction with primary amines produces isoindole derivatives that exhibit strong fluorescence, allowing for sensitive detection at very low concentrations. This application is crucial in fields such as clinical diagnostics, food analysis, and pharmaceutical research.

Beyond its analytical applications, ortopahtaaldehydi also finds use as a disinfectant. Its potent antimicrobial properties make it effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is particularly utilized for the high-level disinfection of medical equipment, such as endoscopes, that cannot be sterilized by heat. While effective, its use requires careful handling due to its irritant properties.