Triclosan (CAS 3380-34-5) Antimicrobial Agent

Triclosan (CAS 3380-34-5), chemically known as 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, is a chlorinated aromatic compound characterized by its ether and phenol functional groups. In industrial chemistry, it acts as a potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Unlike harsh oxidizers that destroy cell walls non-specifically, Triclosan operates with surgical precision at low concentrations by inhibiting the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (ENR) enzyme. This specific action blocks the lipid biosynthesis pathway in bacteria, halting their ability to maintain cell membranes.

While regulatory landscapes have shifted its use away from consumer wash-off soaps in several regions, Triclosan remains a critical raw material for institutional infection control, surgical scrub formulations, and material preservation. Its robust thermal stability allows it to be extruded into plastics and textiles, providing enduring antimicrobial properties to high-touch surfaces, HVAC filters, and medical-grade polymers. Need clarity on regulatory compliance for your intended market? Contact UET Chemical for technical material support.

Triclosan Specifications

Our manufacturing facility adheres strictly to tightly controlled process parameters. Every 25kg drum of Triclosan undergoes in-house analytical testing to ensure the absence of critical impurities, including dangerous dioxin trace contaminants historically associated with chlorinated phenolics.

Available Documentation:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• REACH Registration Certificate (upon request)
• Impurity Profiling Report (including dioxin/furan testing)

 Triclosan Applications

Due to its lipophilic nature and high stability, Triclosan is integrated into products requiring long-term bacterial inhibition rather than immediate, transient sanitization.

Core Formulation Advantages:

• Thermal Resilience: Maintains antimicrobial efficacy even after exposure to extrusion temperatures exceeding 200°C.
• Low Volatility: Does not evaporate off surfaces, providing extended residual protection.
• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, and selected fungi.
• Lipophilic Penetration: Easily partitions into bacterial lipid membranes for rapid uptake.

Triclosan Storage and Stability

Proper handling is necessary to maintain the assay purity and prevent photodegradation of the material.

Stability Handling Notes:

• Photodegradation Risk: Extended exposure to direct UV radiation can cause the powder to yellow and may trigger the formation of trace photo-byproducts. Always keep drum liners securely tied.
• Thermal Caking: As the melting point is relatively low (~56°C), storing pallets in hot warehouses during summer will cause the powder to melt into a solid block. Ensure climate-controlled storage.
• Chemical Resilience: Stable in both slightly acidic and highly alkaline environments, though solubility increases exponentially at pH > 8.0.

Triclosan Usage Guide

Formulating with Triclosan in aqueous systems requires specific solvent or pH strategies, as the raw powder is practically insoluble in plain water.

1. Solvent Pre-Mix: Do not add Triclosan directly to water. First, dissolve the required dosage into a suitable solvent such as propylene glycol, PEG 400, ethanol, or a nonionic surfactant (e.g., Polysorbate 20).
2. Alkaline Neutralization (Alternative Method): For purely aqueous formulas, you can convert Triclosan into its water-soluble sodium salt by mixing it directly with a strong alkali (NaOH or KOH) solution.
3. Phase Integration: Slowly add the pre-dissolved Triclosan solution into the main batch during the mixing phase.
4. Temperature Control: Ensure the batch temperature is below 50°C during addition to prevent rapid volatilization of the carrier solvents.

Why Source Triclosan from UET Chemical

UET Chemical focuses strictly on the metrics that matter to industrial procurement: consistency, stringent purity profiles, and supply chain reliability.

Triclosan FAQ

Q1: What is the current regulatory status of Triclosan?

A: Regulatory status is highly dependent on the application and region. In the US, the FDA banned it from consumer OTC wash-off hand soaps in 2016. However, it remains legally approved and widely used in institutional/hospital settings, surgical scrubs, polymer additives, and specific FDA-approved pharmaceutical products (like certain toothpastes). Always verify compliance for your specific finished good and target market.

Q2: How do I incorporate Triclosan into a water-based formula?

A: Because of its lipophilic nature (LogP 4.76), it will float and clump in plain water. You must pre-dissolve it in glycols (like dipropylene glycol), short-chain alcohols, or solubilize it using an alkaline solution (raising pH above 8.5) before adding it to the water phase.

Q3: Can Triclosan survive the high temperatures of plastic extrusion?

A: Yes. Triclosan possesses excellent thermal stability and will not degrade at typical polymer extrusion temperatures (often surviving brief exposures up to 200°C – 250°C). This makes it a preferred antimicrobial additive for masterbatches.

Q4: Does your Triclosan contain any detectable dioxins?

A: No. Chlorinated phenolics can carry risks of dioxin/furan contamination if manufactured improperly. Our synthesis process and purification protocols strictly prevent this, and our COAs reflect rigorous impurity profiling.

Q5: What is your standard FCL lead time?

A: Standard FCL orders are processed and ready for port dispatch within 10 to 15 working days following PO confirmation, subject to current vessel schedules.