Cetylpyridinium chloride

CAS: 123-03-5

Overview

Cetylpyridinium chloride ( CAS 123-03-5 ), commonly abbreviated as CPC, is a quaternary ammonium compound used as an antimicrobial active and preservative across pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing.

It delivers broad-spectrum biocidal activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, making it a go-to active ingredient where surface-active preservation is required for various formulations.

In oral care, CPC is the active ingredient in antiseptic mouthwashes, throat lozenges, and medicated sprays, where it reduces oral bacterial load and controls plaque effectively.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into shampoos, skin cleansers, and conditioning products for its combined antimicrobial and surfactant properties in diverse consumer goods.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a preservative in topical formulations and as an active in over-the-counter antiseptic products subject to specific regulatory monographs.

It also functions as a dispersing and emulsifying agent in certain industrial and cosmetic systems where controlled microbial stability is a simultaneous requirement for the product.

Cetylpyridinium chloride is supplied as a white crystalline powder or as an aqueous solution. Standard grades include USP , BP , and Ph. Eur. , supporting direct use in regulated applications.

These high-purity grades ensure compliance with global pharmacopeia requirements. Technical-grade material is also available for non-regulated industrial uses and general manufacturing needs.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	80 °C
Boiling Point	496.25°C (rough estimate)
Density	1.656 g/cm³
Appearance	white powder or crystals with a pyridine-like odour
Color	White to off-white
Odor	at 100.00?%. pyridine
Form	White Crystalline Powder
Water Solubility	111g/L at 20℃
Vapor Pressure	0Pa at 25℃
Refractive Index	1.6000 (estimate)
Log P	1.71 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 GHS09 Hazard Statements H301 Toxic if swallowed H302 Harmful if swallowed H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H330 Fatal if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H400 Very toxic to aquatic life H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P284 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P320 Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label). P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code

2933399990

Other Names

Industries

Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Personal Care & Cosmetics