CHLORHEXIDINE

Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound widely used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and preservative in medical, pharmaceutical, dental, veterinary, and industrial applications.
Chlorhexidine exhibits strong activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and some enveloped viruses, with rapid onset and persistent antimicrobial action.
Chlorhexidine is valued for its chemical stability, low volatility, and ability to bind to skin and mucous membranes, providing prolonged residual protection.

CAS Number: 55-56-1
EC Number: 200-195-8
Molecular Formula: C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₁₀
Molecular Weight: 505.45 g/mol

Synonyms: Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine Base, Chlorhexidine Free Base, 1,1′-Hexamethylenebis[5-(4-chlorophenyl)biguanide], Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine Base, Chlorhexidine Free Base, Chlorhexidine Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Antimicrobial, Chlorhexidine Antibacterial Agent, Chlorhexidine Bactericidal Agent, Chlorhexidine Bacteriostatic Agent, Chlorhexidine Disinfectant, Chlorhexidine Topical Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Medical Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Pharmaceutical Active, Chlorhexidine Active Ingredient, Chlorhexidine Biguanide, Chlorhexidine Bisbiguanide, Biguanide Chlorhexidine, Chlorhexidine Bis-guanide, Chlorhexidine Germicide, Chlorhexidine Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial, Chlorhexidine Broad-Spectrum Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Infection Control Agent, Chlorhexidine Wound Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Skin Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Surgical Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Preoperative Skin Prep, Chlorhexidine Oral Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Oral Rinse Active, Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Active, Chlorhexidine Dental Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Dental Plaque Control Agent, Chlorhexidine Gingivitis Control Agent, Chlorhexidine Veterinary Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Livestock Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Biofilm Control Agent, Chlorhexidine Disinfection Chemical, Chlorhexidine Hospital Disinfectant, Chlorhexidine Clinical Antiseptic, Chlorhexidine Laboratory Antimicrobial, Chlorhexidine Pharmaceutical Grade, Chlorhexidine Medical Grade, Chlorhexidine Industrial Grade, Chlorhexidine API, Chlorhexidine Fine Chemical, Chlorhexidine Specialty Chemical, Chlorhexidine Technical Chemical, Chlorhexidine Raw Material, Chlorhexidine Process Chemical, Chlorhexidine Formulation Ingredient, Chlorhexidine Functional Additive, Chlorhexidine Healthcare Ingredient, Chlorhexidine Personal Care Active

APPLICATIONS

Chlorhexidine is used in medical antiseptics.
Chlorhexidine is applied for preoperative skin preparation and wound cleansing.
Chlorhexidine reduces the risk of bacterial infections in healthcare settings.

Chlorhexidine is widely used in dental and oral care products.
Chlorhexidine is formulated into mouthwashes and gels for plaque and gingivitis control.
Chlorhexidine effectively reduces oral microbial load.

Chlorhexidine is used in pharmaceutical formulations.
Chlorhexidine serves as an active antimicrobial ingredient in topical products.
Chlorhexidine supports infection control in dermatological applications.

Chlorhexidine is employed in veterinary medicine.
Chlorhexidine is used for animal skin disinfection and wound care.
Chlorhexidine provides broad antimicrobial coverage in veterinary hygiene.

Chlorhexidine is applied in industrial and institutional disinfectants.
Chlorhexidine is used for surface and equipment sanitation.
Chlorhexidine ensures long-lasting antimicrobial protection.

Chlorhexidine is used as a broad-spectrum antiseptic in medical applications.
Chlorhexidine reduces microbial contamination on skin surfaces.

Chlorhexidine is used in hospital infection control protocols.
Chlorhexidine helps prevent healthcare-associated infections.

Chlorhexidine is used in preoperative skin disinfection.
Chlorhexidine lowers the risk of surgical site infections.

Chlorhexidine is used in wound cleansing solutions.
Chlorhexidine supports infection control in acute and chronic wounds.

Chlorhexidine is used in burn care preparations.
Chlorhexidine reduces microbial growth on damaged skin.

Chlorhexidine is used in oral hygiene products.
Chlorhexidine reduces dental plaque formation.

Chlorhexidine is used in medicated mouthwashes.
Chlorhexidine supports management of gingivitis.

Chlorhexidine is used in periodontal treatments.
Chlorhexidine controls oral bacterial populations.

Chlorhexidine is used in dental surgery aftercare.
Chlorhexidine reduces postoperative infection risk.

Chlorhexidine is used in hand antiseptic products.
Chlorhexidine provides long-lasting antimicrobial protection.
Chlorhexidine is used in catheter site antiseptics.
Chlorhexidine reduces microbial colonization on medical devices.

Chlorhexidine is used in intensive care unit hygiene.
Chlorhexidine supports strict infection prevention measures.

Chlorhexidine is used in veterinary antiseptic products.
Chlorhexidine treats bacterial skin infections in animals.

Chlorhexidine is used in animal wound care solutions.
Chlorhexidine supports hygienic healing processes.

Chlorhexidine is used in pharmaceutical antiseptic formulations.
Chlorhexidine functions as an active antimicrobial ingredient.

Chlorhexidine is used in cosmetic hygiene products.
Chlorhexidine helps control microbial contamination.
Chlorhexidine is used in personal care cleansing products.
Chlorhexidine enhances microbial safety of formulations.

Chlorhexidine is used in disinfectant sprays and wipes.
Chlorhexidine provides residual antimicrobial activity on treated surfaces.

Chlorhexidine is used in laboratory disinfection routines.
Chlorhexidine supports aseptic working environments.

Chlorhexidine is used in surgical hand scrub formulations.
Chlorhexidine reduces transient and resident skin flora before procedures.
Chlorhexidine is used in pre-injection skin antisepsis.
Chlorhexidine minimizes injection-related infection risks.

Chlorhexidine is used in central venous catheter insertion kits.
Chlorhexidine reduces catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Chlorhexidine is used in daily patient bathing protocols.
Chlorhexidine lowers colonization by multidrug-resistant organisms.

Chlorhexidine is used in intensive care unit hygiene programs.
Chlorhexidine supports infection prevention in critical care environments.
Chlorhexidine is used in neonatal skin cleansing solutions.
Chlorhexidine provides controlled antimicrobial protection when properly diluted.

Chlorhexidine is used in obstetric antiseptic preparations.
Chlorhexidine reduces infection risk during labor and delivery procedures.

Chlorhexidine is used in gynecological cleansing products.
Chlorhexidine supports hygienic management under clinical supervision.

Chlorhexidine is used in urological antiseptic solutions.
Chlorhexidine reduces microbial contamination during catheterization.
Chlorhexidine is used in dialysis access site care.

Chlorhexidine minimizes infection risk in dialysis patients.
Chlorhexidine is used in home healthcare antiseptic products.
Chlorhexidine supports infection control in home treatment settings.

Chlorhexidine is used in first aid antiseptic sprays.
Chlorhexidine helps prevent infection in minor cuts and abrasions.

Chlorhexidine is used in emergency medical services.
Chlorhexidine provides rapid antimicrobial action in field conditions.

Chlorhexidine is used in antiseptic impregnated wipes.
Chlorhexidine maintains hygiene during patient handling.

Chlorhexidine is used in preoperative shower formulations.
Chlorhexidine reduces skin microbial load prior to surgery.

Chlorhexidine is used in antiseptic lubricating gels.
Chlorhexidine reduces infection risk during medical device insertion.
Chlorhexidine is used in ear and skin cleansing solutions.
Chlorhexidine helps manage microbial contamination in ENT care.

Chlorhexidine is used in podiatric antiseptic products.
Chlorhexidine supports hygiene management of foot infections.

Chlorhexidine is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing sanitation.
Chlorhexidine controls microbial contamination on processing equipment.

Chlorhexidine is used in laboratory surface disinfection.
Chlorhexidine supports aseptic laboratory environments.

Chlorhexidine is used in veterinary surgical preparation.
Chlorhexidine reduces infection risk in animal surgeries.

Chlorhexidine is used in livestock hygiene management.
Chlorhexidine supports skin and wound sanitation in farm animals.

Chlorhexidine is used in teat disinfection formulations.
Chlorhexidine reduces bacterial contamination associated with mastitis.
Chlorhexidine is used in poultry farm biosecurity programs.
Chlorhexidine helps control environmental pathogens in poultry housing.

DESCRIPTION

Chlorhexidine is a synthetic bisbiguanide antimicrobial compound.
Chlorhexidine appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder in its base form.
Chlorhexidine exhibits strong antimicrobial activity.

Chlorhexidine is effective against Gram-positive bacteria.
Chlorhexidine is effective against Gram-negative bacteria.
Chlorhexidine shows limited activity against spores and certain viruses.

Chlorhexidine acts by disrupting microbial cell membranes.
Chlorhexidine causes leakage of intracellular components.
Chlorhexidine binds strongly to skin and mucous membranes.

Chlorhexidine provides prolonged residual antimicrobial action.
Chlorhexidine is widely used in medical, dental, and veterinary fields.
Chlorhexidine demonstrates good stability in formulated products.

Chlorhexidine should be used at controlled concentrations.
Chlorhexidine should be stored in tightly closed containers.
Chlorhexidine is valued for its effectiveness, persistence, and broad antimicrobial performance.

Chlorhexidine appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder.
Chlorhexidine is odorless or nearly odorless.
Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide compound containing two chlorophenyl groups.

Chlorhexidine is practically insoluble in water in its base form.
Chlorhexidine is soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols and acetone.
Chlorhexidine is commonly converted into salts (e.g., gluconate, acetate) to improve water solubility.

Chlorhexidine exhibits cationic properties when protonated.
Chlorhexidine binds strongly to negatively charged surfaces such as skin and bacterial cell walls.
Chlorhexidine disrupts microbial cell membranes, leading to leakage and cell death.

Chlorhexidine is chemically stable under dry and neutral storage conditions.
Chlorhexidine is incompatible with anionic surfactants and soaps.
Chlorhexidine must be formulated carefully to maintain antimicrobial efficacy.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₁₀
Molecular Weight: 505.45 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or nearly odorless
Density: ~1.35 g/cm³ (estimated)
Melting Point: ~132–136 °C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble
Solubility in Alcohols: Soluble
Solubility in Acetone: Soluble
pKa: ~10.3 (biguanide groups)
Ionic Character: Cationic when protonated
Thermal Stability: Stable below decomposition temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under dry, neutral conditions
Antimicrobial Spectrum: Broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity
Residual Activity: High when applied to skin or tissues
Incompatibilities: Anionic surfactants, soaps, strong oxidizing agents
Storage Stability: Good under recommended dry storage conditions

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops.

Eye Contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention promptly.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and provide supportive care.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Avoid dust generation.
Use protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate PPE.
Ensure adequate ventilation during handling.

Avoidance:
Avoid contact with anionic surfactants and soaps.
Avoid strong oxidizing agents.

Spill Procedures:
Collect mechanically while minimizing dust formation.
Dispose of material according to local regulations.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers.
Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Protect from moisture, light, and contamination.