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Chlorhexidine

CAS Number
55-56-1
EC Number
200-238-7
Chemical Formula
C22H30Cl2N10
Molecular Weight
505.4 g/mol

Description

Chlorhexidine (CAS 55-56-1 ), commonly abbreviated as CHX, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used across pharmaceutical, personal care, and healthcare manufacturing. It disrupts microbial cell membranes at low concentrations. This characteristic makes it a go-to active ingredient for preservation and surface disinfection in regulated formulations. In pharmaceutical and healthcare products, CHX is the active ingredient in surgical scrubs and wound irrigation solutions. It is also utilized in catheter care protocols where sustained antimicrobial activity is required. Oral care manufacturers incorporate it into prescription-grade mouthwashes and gels targeting periodontal bacteria. In these applications, it remains the clinical benchmark for plaque control. Personal care formulators use it as a preservative and antimicrobial booster in skin cleansers, hand sanitizers, and topical preparations. Water treatment and industrial hygiene applications rely on CHX-based formulations for equipment sanitation. These solutions are essential for surface disinfection in controlled environments and industrial settings. Chlorhexidine is supplied in several salt forms, most commonly as chlorhexidine digluconate, chlorhexidine diacetate, and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP specifications. The material is also available according to BP and Ph. Eur. standards, with digluconate solutions typically offered at 20% concentration. Technical-grade supply is also available for industrial and veterinary applications. Contact us for supply of Chlorhexidine Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

N,N'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradecanediimidamide | CHX | 1,1'-hexamethylene bis[5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide] | Hexadol | Soretol | Fimeil | Sterilon | Tubulicid

Key Technical Features

  • High Purity Grade standard
  • Consistent Batch Quality
  • Full Regulatory & REACH Support
  • Global Logistics Network enabled

Physical Properties

Melting Point134 °C
Boiling Point641.45°C (rough estimate)
Density1.07 g/cm³ (Solid crystalline)
Appearancesolid
ColorWhite to off-white
Formneat
Water Solubility0.08 g/100 mL (20 ºC)
Refractive Index1.6300 (estimate)
Log P0.080

Safety & Handling

Danger
GHS05· CorrosiveGHS07· IrritantGHS08· Health HazardGHS09· Environment

Hazard Statements

H302Harmful if swallowed
H315Causes skin irritation
H317May cause an allergic skin reaction
H318Causes serious eye damage
H319Causes serious eye irritation
H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
H335May cause respiratory irritation
H373May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H400Very toxic to aquatic life
H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Precautionary Statements

P233Keep container tightly closed.
P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273Avoid release to the environment.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P319Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P330Rinse mouth.
P391Collect spillage.
P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
P405Store locked up.
P501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.
P265Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29215900
UN Number3077
ADR Class9
Packing GroupIII
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)3