Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate

CAS: 6004-24-6

Overview

Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate (CAS 6004-24-6 ), 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 high-performance formulations.

In oral care, CPC is the active ingredient in antiseptic mouthwashes, throat lozenges, and medicated sprays targeting plaque-forming bacteria and oral pathogens. These applications rely on its efficacy.

Topical pharmaceutical formulations, including wound rinses and antiseptic creams, rely on it for preservative efficacy at low use concentrations. It is highly effective in maintaining product stability.

In personal care, it functions as both a conditioning agent and antimicrobial in shampoos and skin cleansers, where its cationic surfactant character aids substantivity to hair and skin surfaces.

It also appears in nasal sprays and respiratory hygiene products as an antiviral adjunct active. This versatile compound is supplied as a white crystalline powder for various industrial uses.

It is available in USP , BP , and Ph. Eur. grades for pharmaceutical applications, as well as cosmetic-grade material meeting relevant purity specifications for personal care use.

Packaging typically ranges from kilogram-scale laboratory quantities to bulk bags for industrial formulation. This ensures flexibility for manufacturers across different sectors and production scales.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	77-78 °C
Appearance	white to light beige powder
Color	White
Form	Powder
Water Solubility	Soluble in water, alcohol, chloroform
pH	5.0-5.4 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P	1.699 (est)

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS06 GHS07 GHS09 Hazard Statements H301 Toxic if swallowed H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage 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. 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. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. 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	29333999
UN Number	2811
ADR Class	6.1
Packing Group	I
Storage Class	6.1A - Combustible acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2 very toxic hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)	3

Other Names

Industries

Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Personal Care & Cosmetics