Polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride
[CAS# 57028-96-3]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Guanidine salt
• Name: Polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride
• Synonyms: Poly(hexamethylendiamine guanidinium chloride); PHMG hydrochloride
• Molecular Formula: (C₇H₁₅N₃)_n.x(HCl)
• CAS Registry Number: 57028-96-3
• EC Number: 690-927-2
• SMILES: CCCCNC(=NCCCC)N

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H317-H318-H335-H410
• Safety Statements: P280-P301+P312+P330-P305+P351+P338+P310

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400

• Transport Information: UN 3077

Discovery and Applications

Polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride (PHMG-HCl) is a polymeric compound that belongs to the class of guanidine derivatives. It is a cationic polymer, typically synthesized by the polymerization of hexamethyleneguanidine with formaldehyde and other reagents. The resulting compound is characterized by its guanidine functional groups, which impart a strong cationic charge to the polymer, making it highly effective in various applications, especially as an antimicrobial agent.

PHMG-HCl was first developed and used for its antimicrobial properties. Its cationic nature enables it to interact with negatively charged surfaces, such as bacterial cell membranes, thereby disrupting cellular integrity. This disruption leads to the leakage of intracellular contents and eventual cell death, which is why PHMG-HCl is widely employed as a disinfectant and preservative. Its strong bactericidal activity makes it particularly useful in industries where sanitation is critical, such as in water treatment, healthcare, and food processing.

One of the most common applications of Polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride is as a disinfectant and biocide. It has been used in water treatment to reduce microbial contamination, in healthcare settings to sterilize medical equipment, and in personal care products like mouthwashes and skin antiseptics. Its ability to effectively kill a broad range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses has led to its inclusion in various cleaning and hygiene products. PHMG-HCl is often found in industrial-grade disinfectants and sanitizers due to its potent antimicrobial action, which is particularly important in settings that require stringent infection control measures.

Another significant application of PHMG-HCl is in the preservation of materials, especially in the textile industry. It is used as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on fabrics and other materials. The antimicrobial properties of PHMG-HCl help to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of textiles, extending their shelf life and reducing the potential for microbial degradation. In this context, PHMG-HCl can be applied to various products such as clothing, upholstery, and other fabric-based goods to prevent odor and staining caused by microbial growth.

In addition to its use as a disinfectant, PHMG-HCl has also been explored for its potential in medical applications. Due to its cationic nature, it has been tested as an antimicrobial agent in wound care, where it helps prevent infections in open wounds. Its ability to kill bacteria and promote a sterile environment makes it a potential candidate for use in topical creams and dressings designed for infection prevention. Furthermore, PHMG-HCl has been investigated for its use in drug delivery systems. Its biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties make it a potential carrier for delivering drugs to specific areas of the body while also preventing bacterial infections during the delivery process.

Despite its effectiveness, the use of PHMG-HCl has raised some concerns regarding its potential toxicity. Although it is generally considered safe for use in a variety of applications when used in appropriate concentrations, there have been reports of adverse effects in certain situations. For example, overexposure to PHMG-HCl in high concentrations has been associated with skin and eye irritation, and prolonged exposure may lead to more severe health risks. As a result, its use is regulated, and safety precautions are taken to ensure that exposure remains within acceptable limits, especially in consumer products and medical applications.

In summary, Polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride is a versatile cationic polymer with strong antimicrobial properties, making it widely used in disinfection, preservation, and medical applications. Its ability to kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms has made it an important component in water treatment, healthcare products, and industrial disinfectants. However, careful regulation and usage are essential to minimize potential health risks, and ongoing research continues to explore its safety profile and potential new applications.

References

2008. Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride-based disinfectant: a novel tool to fight meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and nosocomial infections. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 57(12).
DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.2008/003350-0

2022. Analysis of lung cancer-related genetic changes in long-term and low-dose polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-p) treated human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells. BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology, 23(1).
DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00559-5

2024. Polyhexamethylene guanidine aerosol causes irreversible changes in blood proteins that associated with the severity of lung injury. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 478.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135359