Chlorhexidine Digluconate (CHG) CAS 18472-51-0

About Chlorhexidine Digluconate

Chlorhexidine digluconate is the water-soluble digluconate salt of chlorhexidine, a molecule carrying two biguanide groups. Because the salt dissolves readily in water, it is traded as a ready-to-dilute aqueous solution rather than a solid. The free chlorhexidine base (CAS 55-56-1) is only slightly soluble and is mainly bonded to catheter and device surfaces for slow release, while chlorhexidine acetate (CAS 56-95-1) and dihydrochloride (CAS 3697-42-5) are separate solid salts. In use CHG attaches to bacterial cell surfaces, disrupts the membrane and adsorbs to skin and oral surfaces, giving the long residual action valued in surgical and dental antisepsis. The concentrate is diluted into finished washes, rinses, wipes and sprays.

Applications

The concentrate is formulated into a range of antiseptic and preservative products:

• Skin and hand antisepsis. Surgical scrubs and hand washes, preoperative skin preparation and patient bathing, often combined with alcohol, plus catheter and injection-site care.
• Oral care. Medicated mouthwashes and rinses for gum inflammation, plaque control and post-dental care.
• Wounds and surfaces. Wound and mucous membrane rinses, antiseptic wipes and sponges, coated dressings and ready-to-use sprays.
• Preservation and animal care. Preservation of eye drops and aqueous preparations, limited personal-care use within local cosmetic rules, veterinary teat dips and premises disinfection.

Specifications

CHG is cationic, so keep it away from ordinary soap and other anionic surfactants, which bind and inactivate the active; anions such as phosphates, chlorides, carbonates and citrates can also turn the solution cloudy. Medical and pharmaceutical lots can meet USP or Ph.Eur. expectations, with identity, assay and p-chloroaniline reported on the COA.

Typical bulk-solution profile; exact assay and limits depend on grade, and the batch COA governs.

Packaging and Storage

The bulk solution ships in HDPE or polypropylene drums and IBCs, with small development orders in sealed bottles or jerricans. Storage and handling are straightforward for a cationic, light-sensitive liquid:

• Keep sealed, cool and away from light; the protected solution stays clear and colourless.
• Use HDPE, polypropylene or glass; never use cork bungs or cork-lined caps.
• Store apart from soap, anionic products and hypochlorite or iodine cleaners.
• The concentrate irritates eyes and skin; wear gloves and eye protection. SDS and COA are supplied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you supply the liquid solution or a solid powder?

A: We supply the aqueous concentrate; base, acetate and hydrochloride are separate solid salts with different CAS numbers.

Q: Why should CHG not be mixed with ordinary soap?

A: CHG is cationic; anionic soap and surfactants bind it and cancel activity. Formulate with compatible nonionic systems.

Q: Is this a finished hand wash or mouthwash?

A: No, we supply the bulk concentrate for dilution; finished washes and rinses are the buyer’s responsibility.