What is the only liquid chemical capable of rendering an item sterile if properly used?

Glutaraldehyde is known for its effectiveness as a sterilizing agent when used correctly. It possesses the ability to kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which makes it especially useful in medical and laboratory settings where complete sterilization is critical. When items are immersed in a proper concentration of glutaraldehyde for the required amount of time, they can effectively achieve sterility.

This compound is a so-called high-level disinfectant and is utilized for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments that cannot be autoclaved. Its biological action involves cross-linking proteins and effectively deactivating pathogens, which is why it is accepted as a reliable chemical for rendering items sterile.

The other chemicals listed, while they have disinfecting properties, do not match the full spectrum of glutaraldehyde’s sterilization capabilities or require different conditions to achieve a comparable level of sterility. This specificity makes glutaraldehyde the correct choice for the question regarding a liquid capable of rendering an item sterile.