Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is the digluconate salt of Chlorhexidine and a water-compatible cationic bisbiguanide antimicrobial substance.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG provides antimicrobial activity through adsorption to negatively charged microbial surfaces and disruption of cell-membrane integrity.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is used in regulated oral care, topical antiseptic, cosmetic, veterinary, analytical, and controlled-release formulation applications.
CAS Number: 18472-51-0
EC Number: 242-354-0
Molecular Formula: C₃₄H₅₄Cl₂N₁₀O₁₄
Molecular Weight: 897.8 g/mol
SYNONYMS
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, CHG, CHG Solution, CHG Antimicrobial, CHG Antiseptic, CHG Oral Care Active, CHG Skin Antiseptic, CHG Preservative, Chlorhexidine Gluconate Salt, Chlorhexidine Digluconate Salt, Chlorhexidine Di-D-Gluconate, Chlorhexidine Bis-D-Gluconate, Chlorhexidine Bisgluconate, Chlorhexidine Bigluconate, Chlorhexidine D-Gluconate, Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution, Chlorhexidine Digluconate Solution, Aqueous Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Aqueous Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Chlorhexidine Gluconate Concentrate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate Concentrate, Chlorhexidine Gluconate 20% Solution, Chlorhexidine Digluconate 20% Solution, CHX Gluconate, CHX Digluconate, Chlorhexidini Digluconas, Chlorhexidini Gluconas, Chlorhexidine Compound with D-Gluconic Acid, Chlorhexidine-D-Gluconic Acid Compound, Chlorhexidine Gluconic Acid Salt, Chlorhexidine Bisbiguanide Gluconate, Cationic Bisbiguanide Digluconate, Chlorhexidine Antimicrobial Salt, Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Salt, Chlorhexidine Preservative Salt, Chlorhexidine Oral Care Active, Chlorhexidine Dental Active, Chlorhexidine Topical Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Pharmaceutical Active, Chlorhexidine Cosmetic Preservative, Chlorhexidine Veterinary Active, Chlorhexidine Laboratory Reagent, Chlorhexidine Analytical Standard, Chlorhexidine Reference Standard, 1,1′-Hexamethylenebis[5-(4-Chlorophenyl)biguanide] Digluconate, 1,1′-Hexamethylenebis[5-(p-Chlorophenyl)biguanide] Di-D-Gluconate, 1,6-Bis[N⁵-(p-Chlorophenyl)-N¹-Biguanido]hexane Digluconate, 1,6-Bis(4-Chlorophenylbiguanido)hexane Digluconate, N,N″-Bis(4-Chlorophenyl)-3,12-Diimino-2,4,11,13-Tetraazatetradecanediamidine Digluconate, CAS 18472-51-0, EC 242-354-0, EINECS 242-354-0, PubChem CID 9552081, UNII MOR84MUD8E, C₃₄H₅₄Cl₂N₁₀O₁₄, C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₁₀·2C₆H₁₂O₇
APPLICATIONS
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG serves as an antimicrobial active in regulated oral rinses intended for professionally supervised gingivitis-management programs.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG remains partially associated with oral surfaces after rinsing and can provide residual antimicrobial activity.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports dental gels intended for localized application around teeth and gingival tissues.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG enables prolonged contact when viscosity, dosage, flavor, mucosal tolerance, and application instructions are appropriately controlled.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to specialized plaque-control formulations designed to reduce susceptible oral microorganisms.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG requires compatibility testing with abrasives, fluoride sources, flavors, sweeteners, thickeners, and surfactants.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG functions in selected endodontic irrigants and intracanal formulations used under professional dental supervision.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG should not be mixed indiscriminately with other endodontic chemicals because undesirable reactions or precipitates can occur.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports denture-cleansing and removable oral-appliance-care formulations.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG requires compatibility testing with acrylic resin, soft liners, metals, pigments, and cleaning auxiliaries.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG serves as an antiseptic active in regulated surgical hand-scrub formulations.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG helps reduce susceptible microorganisms when concentration, contact time, washing procedure, and rinsing are properly controlled.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to healthcare-personnel hand-wash formulations intended to reduce potentially harmful bacteria.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can provide immediate cleansing activity together with persistent surface-associated antimicrobial performance.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG functions in preoperative skin-preparation systems containing compatible aqueous or hydroalcoholic vehicles.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG performance depends on active concentration, alcohol content, application coverage, contact time, drying, and skin condition.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports regulated skin-cleansing formulations intended for approved external applications.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG must be used only on anatomical sites and at concentrations supported by the finished-product authorization.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to antimicrobial wipes, swabs, applicators, and impregnated nonwoven materials.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG must release predictably from the substrate while maintaining package stability and microbiological quality.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG functions as a preservative in compatible pharmaceutical formulations where the intended use is authorized.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG preservation performance must be demonstrated through validated antimicrobial-effectiveness testing.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports cosmetic preservation systems when use complies with the legislation of the destination market.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG must remain available within the formulation rather than becoming extensively bound to polymers, proteins, or particulate materials.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to specialized facial and body cleansers containing compatible surfactant systems.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG generally performs better with selected nonionic, amphoteric, or cationic ingredients than with conventional soaps.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG functions in deodorant and personal-hygiene formulations intended to control odor-associated microorganisms.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can complement fragrance, absorbent, antiperspirant, and odor-neutralizing ingredients after compatibility testing.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports specialized shampoo and scalp-cleansing formulations requiring antimicrobial performance.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG requires careful surfactant selection because strongly anionic ingredients can reduce antimicrobial availability.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to veterinary shampoos, sprays, wipes, rinses, and topical cleansers where veterinary use is authorized.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG veterinary formulations must account for animal species, application site, licking risk, concentration, and treatment duration.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG functions in wound-dressing research involving fibers, foams, films, membranes, and absorbent matrices.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can be incorporated for gradual release after contact with moisture or wound fluid.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports antimicrobial hydrogel systems designed for controlled local delivery.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG release depends on polymer charge, crosslink density, water uptake, ionic strength, and environmental pH.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to experimental antimicrobial coatings for selected medical-device surfaces.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG requires evaluation of coating adhesion, sterilization stability, release profile, biocompatibility, and device performance.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG functions in catheter, tubing, membrane, and medical-polymer research intended to reduce microbial surface colonization.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG cannot independently establish infection prevention without complete device evaluation and clinical validation.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG serves as an analytical reference substance in pharmaceutical and chemical quality-control laboratories.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports identity testing, assay calibration, chromatographic retention confirmation, and related-substance analysis.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to microbiological susceptibility studies involving susceptible bacterial and fungal strains.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can be evaluated through minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and time-kill procedures.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG functions in biofilm research involving oral, medical, veterinary, and environmental microorganisms.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can be assessed for attachment prevention, reduction of viable biofilm cells, and interaction with extracellular matrices.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG supports preservative challenge testing during development of pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can be assessed against representative bacteria, yeasts, and molds over defined storage intervals.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contributes to formulation screening involving surfactants, polymers, solvents, humectants, salts, and preservatives.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG compatibility studies help identify combinations that preserve antimicrobial availability, clarity, and physical stability.
DESCRIPTION
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is the digluconate salt formed from one Chlorhexidine molecule and two equivalents of D-gluconic acid.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is also chemically identified as Chlorhexidine Digluconate.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG has the molecular formula C₃₄H₅₄Cl₂N₁₀O₁₄ and a molecular weight of approximately 897.8 g/mol.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is identified by CAS Number 18472-51-0 and EC Number 242-354-0.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contains a bisbiguanide Chlorhexidine structure associated with two highly hydroxylated gluconic acid components.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG combines positively charged antimicrobial regions with hydrophilic gluconate counterions.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG contains two para-chlorophenyl groups, two biguanide regions, and a central hexamethylene chain.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG gains strong surface affinity from protonated biguanide groups and hydrophobic aromatic regions.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is considerably more suitable for aqueous formulation than poorly water-soluble Chlorhexidine free base.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is therefore commonly supplied and processed as a concentrated aqueous solution.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG concentrated solution normally appears as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG appearance can vary with active concentration, impurity profile, pH, temperature, and storage history.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG dissociates in water to provide positively charged Chlorhexidine species and gluconate counterions.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG antimicrobial activity originates primarily from the cationic Chlorhexidine component.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG adsorbs electrostatically onto negatively charged microbial cell surfaces.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG disrupts membrane organization, increases permeability, and promotes leakage of intracellular components.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG generally displays strong activity against many Gram-positive bacteria and useful activity against numerous Gram-negative bacteria.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG activity against spores, mycobacteria, some fungi, non-enveloped viruses, and mature biofilms is limited or formulation dependent.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG exhibits substantivity through adsorption onto oral tissues, skin, proteins, minerals, fibers, and polymer surfaces.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can be released gradually from adsorptive surfaces after the initial application.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is incompatible with many conventional soaps and strongly anionic surfactants.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can form poorly soluble complexes or lose freely available activity in strongly anionic formulations.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG performance can be reduced by proteins, blood, serum, cellulose, clays, and other adsorptive materials.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG stability and availability are also influenced by pH, ionic strength, temperature, packaging contact, and other counterions.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can form chlorinated aromatic degradation impurities during unsuitable manufacturing or prolonged storage.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG quality-control procedures should monitor identity, assay, pH, relative density, color, related substances, and microbiological quality.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Name: Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG
Alternative Standard Name: Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Common Abbreviation: CHG
INCI Name: Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Chemical Class: Cationic Bisbiguanide Salt
Substance Type: Antimicrobial and Preservative Substance
Parent Substance: Chlorhexidine
Counterion: D-Gluconate
Salt Ratio: One Chlorhexidine Molecule to Two D-Gluconic Acid Molecules
CAS Number: 18472-51-0
EC Number: 242-354-0
PubChem CID: 9552081
UNII: MOR84MUD8E
Molecular Formula: C₃₄H₅₄Cl₂N₁₀O₁₄
Alternative Formula: C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₁₀·2C₆H₁₂O₇
Molecular Weight: 897.8 g/mol
Exact Mass: Approximately 896.3198 Da
InChIKey: YZIYKJHYYHPJIB-UUPCJSQJSA-N
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 18
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 16
Rotatable Bond Count: 23
Topological Polar Surface Area: Approximately 454 Ų
Physical Form of Isolated Salt: Solid or Highly Concentrated Salt Material
Common Supply Form: Concentrated Aqueous Solution
Common Supply Concentration: Approximately 20% Aqueous Solution, Grade Dependent
Typical Appearance: Clear, Colorless to Pale-Yellow Liquid
Odor: Odorless or Mild Characteristic Odor
Water Compatibility: High Relative to Chlorhexidine Free Base
Water Solubility: High for the Digluconate Salt Form
Alcohol Compatibility: Formulation Dependent
Volatility: Negligible under Ordinary Conditions
Ionic Character: Strongly Cationic in Aqueous Formulations
Primary Function: Antimicrobial Active
Secondary Functions: Antiseptic, Preservative, Oral Care Active, and Surface-Substantive Antimicrobial
Mechanism of Action: Adsorption to Microbial Surfaces and Disruption of Membrane Integrity
Gram-Positive Activity: Generally Strong
Gram-Negative Activity: Broad but Organism and Formulation Dependent
Yeast Activity: Active against Selected Species
Fungal Activity: Formulation and Species Dependent
Spore Activity: Limited
Mycobacterial Activity: Limited or Formulation Dependent
Non-Enveloped Virus Activity: Generally Limited
Substantivity: High on Many Negatively Charged Surfaces
Protein Binding: Strong
Organic-Matter Sensitivity: Available Activity Can Be Reduced
Soap Compatibility: Generally Poor
Anionic Surfactant Compatibility: Generally Poor
Strongly Anionic Polymer Compatibility: Generally Poor
Nonionic Surfactant Compatibility: Often Better, Subject to Testing
Amphoteric Surfactant Compatibility: Formulation Dependent
Cationic Ingredient Compatibility: Often Better, Subject to Testing
pH Sensitivity: Solubility, Stability, and Activity Depend on Formulation pH
Electrolyte Sensitivity: Counterions and Ionic Strength Can Affect Clarity and Availability
Established Oral-Rinse Example: 0.12% in Regulated Medicinal Formulations
Established Skin-Cleanser Example: 4% in Regulated Medicinal Formulations
EU Cosmetic Preservative Maximum: 0.3% Calculated as Chlorhexidine
Cosmetic Safety-Assessment Reference: Up to 0.20% as Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Common Hazard Concerns: Harmful if Swallowed, Serious Eye Damage, Hypersensitivity, and Aquatic Toxicity
Aquatic Hazard: Very Toxic to Aquatic Life with Long-Lasting Effects in Commonly Reported Classifications
Thermal Stability: Avoid Excessive and Prolonged Heating
Chemical Stability: Stable under Recommended Storage Conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong Oxidizing Agents, Strongly Anionic Ingredients, Conventional Soaps, and Incompatible Reactive Chemicals
Storage Conditions: Cool, Tightly Closed, and Protected from Excessive Heat, Light, Freezing, and Contamination
Shelf Life: Grade, Concentration, Packaging, and Storage Condition Dependent
FIRST AID
Inhalation: Move the person exposed to Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG mist or aerosol into fresh air and keep the person at rest.
Obtain immediate medical attention if Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG exposure causes wheezing, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, dizziness, or persistent respiratory irritation.
Skin Contact: Remove clothing contaminated with concentrated Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG and rinse the affected skin thoroughly with water.
Obtain medical attention if Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG causes persistent irritation, rash, hives, swelling, blistering, or other hypersensitivity symptoms.
Eye Contact: Immediately rinse eyes exposed to Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG with clean running water for at least 15 minutes while holding the eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses when easy to do, continue rinsing, and obtain urgent medical attention because concentrated Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG can cause serious eye injury.
Ingestion: Rinse the mouth thoroughly after accidental ingestion of Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG and do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Contact a physician or poison information center promptly after significant Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG ingestion or whenever symptoms develop.
Note to Physicians: Treat Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG exposure symptomatically and provide supportive care.
Assess Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG exposure for hypersensitivity, airway involvement, eye injury, gastrointestinal effects, concentration, quantity, and route of exposure.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling: Handle Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG according to good industrial hygiene and pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or chemical manufacturing practices.
Avoid generating Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG mist and prevent contact with the eyes, ears, skin, clothing, and incompatible ingredients.
Ventilation: Provide effective general ventilation and local exhaust wherever Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG is transferred, sprayed, sampled, diluted, or mixed.
Use suitable respiratory protection when engineering controls cannot adequately control airborne Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG droplets or aerosol.
Storage: Store Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG in tightly closed and chemically compatible containers within a cool and well-ventilated area.
Protect Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG from excessive heat, direct light, freezing, strong oxidizing agents, anionic contamination, and unauthorized access.
Spill and Leak Procedures: Contain released Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG with a suitable inert absorbent and avoid generating aerosol during cleanup.
Prevent Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG from entering drains, soil, or surface water and transfer waste into labeled disposal containers.
Handling Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and tightly fitting safety goggles while handling concentrated Chlorhexidine Gluconate CHG.
Keep emergency eyewash and safety-shower facilities accessible and consult the current grade-specific Safety Data Sheet before commercial processing.