Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate
[CAS# 6004-24-6]

Identification

• Classification: Pharmaceutical intermediate >> Heterocyclic compound intermediate >> Pyridine compound >> Pyridine derivative
• Name: Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate
• Synonyms: 1-Hexadecylpyridinium chloride monohydrate
• Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₃₈ClN.H₂O
• Molecular Weight: 358.01
• CAS Registry Number: 6004-24-6
• EC Number: 678-154-9
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[N+]1=CC=CC=C1.O.[Cl-]

Properties

• Melting point: 83-86 °C (Expl.)
• Solubility: 50 g/L (H2O °C) (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS06;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H301-H315-H318-H330-H335-H400-H410
• Safety Statements: P260-P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P273-P280-P284-P301+P316-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P316-P317-P319-P320-P321-P330-P332+P317-P362+P364-P391-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H330
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	1	H330
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336

• Transport Information: UN 2811

Discovery and Applications

Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate (CPC) is a quaternary ammonium compound with the chemical formula C21H38ClN·H2O. It is a white crystalline substance commonly used as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. This compound is the monohydrate form of cetylpyridinium chloride, which contains one molecule of water for each molecule of cetylpyridinium chloride.

Cetylpyridinium chloride was first introduced in the mid-20th century and has since found applications in various fields due to its antimicrobial properties. It is a cationic surfactant, which means it has a positively charged nitrogen atom in its structure, allowing it to interact with negatively charged surfaces, such as bacterial cell membranes. This interaction leads to the disruption of the microbial cell membrane, effectively killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.

One of the most common applications of cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate is in the formulation of mouthwashes, oral rinses, and toothpaste. Due to its strong antimicrobial properties, it helps reduce oral bacteria, prevent plaque formation, and promote overall oral hygiene. It is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria, which are commonly associated with oral infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis. By inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, cetylpyridinium chloride aids in maintaining oral health and preventing dental issues.

Beyond oral care products, cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate is also used in personal care items like throat lozenges and topical antiseptic creams. In throat lozenges, it is employed for its ability to kill bacteria and soothe sore throats. The compound's antimicrobial action is beneficial in preventing infections and alleviating discomfort caused by bacterial irritation. In topical creams, it serves as an antiseptic agent to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and skin infections.

Additionally, cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate is utilized in the formulation of some wound care products. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective in reducing the risk of infection in minor wounds and burns. As a preservative in certain cosmetic formulations, CPC also helps extend the shelf life of products by preventing microbial growth.

Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate is also found in various industrial applications. It is employed as a disinfectant in the food industry, where it is used to sanitize equipment and surfaces that come into contact with food. Its ability to kill a broad range of microorganisms makes it a valuable tool for maintaining hygienic conditions in food processing environments.

In the pharmaceutical industry, cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate is used in drug formulations, particularly in products aimed at treating infections or providing antimicrobial protection. It is often included in formulations intended for the treatment of oral or topical infections, where its antibacterial properties are most beneficial.

The safety and efficacy of cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate have been well-documented, with studies confirming its effectiveness in various applications. However, like many antimicrobial agents, it should be used according to recommended guidelines to avoid irritation or adverse effects, particularly with prolonged use.

In conclusion, cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate is an important antiseptic and antimicrobial agent with a wide range of applications in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial disinfectants. Its ability to fight bacteria and other pathogens has made it a valuable ingredient in the prevention and treatment of infections, particularly in oral hygiene and wound care. The compound continues to be a reliable and effective tool in both medical and consumer applications.

References

2021. Cetylpyridinium Trichlorostannate: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Properties, and Controlled-Release Properties via Electrical Resistance Tomography. ACS Omega, 6(51).
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c04034

2020. Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Cetylpyridinium Tetrachlorozincate. ACS Omega, 5(18).
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00131

2016. Effects of a mouthwash containing potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride, and cetylpyridinium chloride on dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science, 46(1).
DOI: 10.5051/jpis.2016.46.1.46