Dialdehydes are organic compounds that contain two aldehyde functional groups (-CHO) in their molecular structure. They are typically formed through the oxidation of alcohols or aldehydes and are used in various chemical reactions and industrial applications. Common examples of dialdehydes include glutaraldehyde and malondialdehyde. These compounds play significant roles in biochemistry and materials science. For instance, glutaraldehyde is often used as a disinfectant and preservative, while malondialdehyde is a marker for oxidative stress in biological systems. Dialdehydes can also participate in polymerization processes, contributing to the development of new materials.