Chlorhexidine Gluconate 20% CAS 18472-51-0 | CHG

Chlorhexidine Digluconate Introduction

Chlorhexidine Digluconate (CAS 18472-51-0) is a cationic polybiguanide compound primarily synthesized and supplied as a 20% aqueous solution. In its pure salt form, chlorhexidine is poorly soluble in water, but reacting it with gluconic acid yields a highly water-soluble, stable, and easy-to-handle liquid active. In the industrial and pharmaceutical chemical sectors, CHG is considered a frontline defense material against microbial contamination, effective against a wide array of vegetative bacteria, yeasts, and select lipophilic viruses.

The mechanism of action relies on the strong positive charge of the CHG molecule. It rapidly binds to the negatively charged bacterial cell wall, disrupting membrane integrity and causing leakage of intracellular components. At higher concentrations, it causes the coagulation of intracellular proteins, leading to rapid bacterial cell death. Crucially, this positive charge also allows CHG to bind to the keratin in human skin and the pellicle of teeth, creating a persistent microbicidal shield that lasts for hours after initial application. Looking for technical guidance on incorporating biguanides into your line? Contact UET Chemical for support.

Chlorhexidine Digluconate Specifications

Our 20% CHG solution is manufactured to meet rigorous international pharmacopeia and cosmetic standards. Our in-house QC laboratory strictly monitors the degradation byproduct p-Chloroaniline (PCA) to ensure safe toxicological profiles for end-users.

Available Documentation:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• REACH Registration Details (upon request)
• Impurity Profile (PCA testing results)

 Chlorhexidine Digluconate Applications

Because of its safety profile and sustained efficacy, CHG 20% is integrated into formulas that demand clinical-grade pathogen reduction.

Core Formulation Advantages:

• Substantivity: Binds effectively to skin and mucosal surfaces, offering continued antimicrobial action for up to 24 hours.
• Broad-Spectrum Control: Excellent efficacy against Gram-positive (e.g., MRSA) and Gram-negative pathogens.
• Aqueous Stability: Supplied as a ready-to-use 20% liquid that mixes easily into water and alcohol bases without heating.
• Low Systemic Toxicity: Poorly absorbed through intact skin and gastrointestinal tracts, resulting in a high safety margin.

Chlorhexidine Digluconate Storage and Stability

Proper environmental controls are critical for CHG. Incorrect storage can lead to accelerated degradation into p-Chloroaniline, which darkens the liquid and reduces efficacy.

Stability Handling Notes:

• Light Degradation: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong UV will cause the solution to turn brown. Always keep containers closed when not actively batching.
• Freezing Issues: If the storage temperature drops below 0°C, the product may precipitate. If freezing occurs, allow it to thaw slowly at room temperature and agitate to redissolve before use.
• Alkaline Precipitation: CHG is most stable at a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. If the pH of the finished formulation exceeds 8.0, the chlorhexidine base will precipitate out of solution.

Chlorhexidine Digluconate Usage Guide

Integrating CHG into your mixing sequence requires strict attention to the charge of other surfactants to prevent immediate precipitation.

1. Dilution Phase: Add the required volume of Chlorhexidine Digluconate 20% into the main water phase. Mix until fully homogeneous.
2. Surfactant Addition: Only incorporate nonionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactants. Never add anionic surfactants.
3. Thickening (If applicable): Use compatible thickeners like hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) or cationic polymers. Avoid anionic thickeners like Carbomer (polyacrylic acid) unless using specifically modified grades.
4. pH Adjustment: Check the final pH. Maintain the range between 5.0 and 7.0 using mild acids (like citric acid) or very mild bases if necessary.

Why Source Chlorhexidine Digluconate from UET Chemical

UET Chemical focuses on delivering uncompromised purity for formulators who cannot risk batch failures due to raw material inconsistency.

Chlorhexidine Digluconate FAQ

Q1: Why is Chlorhexidine Digluconate sold as a 20% solution instead of a 100% dry powder?

A: Pure chlorhexidine base and its dry salts are highly unstable, difficult to dissolve in water, and present severe handling issues (dust inhalation). Reacting the base with gluconic acid creates a stable, highly soluble 20% liquid that is significantly safer and easier to pump directly into mixing tanks.

Q2: How does UET Chemical control p-Chloroaniline (PCA) levels?

A: PCA is a natural degradation byproduct of CHG synthesis and aging. We utilize controlled reaction temperatures and strict UV-shielded packaging to minimize its formation. Every batch is tested via HPLC to ensure PCA levels are strictly ≤ 500 ppm before dispatch.

Q3: Can I formulate CHG with standard soap bases?

A: No. Standard soaps contain anionic surfactants (like sodium lauryl sulfate or fatty acid salts). Because CHG is a cationic molecule, mixing it with anionic soaps will instantly neutralize both compounds, forming a cloudy, inactive precipitate. You must use nonionic or amphoteric surfactant systems.

Q4: Is your material compliant with EU regulations?

A: Yes, our Chlorhexidine Digluconate is supported by REACH documentation, making it suitable for buyers manufacturing finished goods for the European Economic Area.

Q5: What is the typical lead time for a multi-pallet order?

A: For standard 200kg drums, our lead time is generally 10 to 15 working days following PO confirmation, depending on immediate stock levels and vessel booking schedules.