Product Name: Cetylpyridinium Chloride Hydrate
Synonyms: 1-Hexadecylpyridinium chloride hydrate
CAS Number: 6004-24-6
Recommended Uses: Antiseptic, disinfectant, laboratory reagent
Supplier: Information available from the distributor or manufacturer
Contact Information: Emergency phone number for chemical spills or medical emergencies provided by supplier
Product Type: Solid, crystalline, white to off-white
Molecular Formula: C21H38ClN·xH2O
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal), Skin irritation, Serious eye damage, Aquatic toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye damage, very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, Exclamation mark, Corrosion, Environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink when using, wear protective gloves and eye/face protection, avoid release to the environment
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, eye contact
Physical Hazards: Combustible under certain conditions; contact with strong oxidizers may cause reaction
Target Organs: Gastrointestinal tract, skin, eye, mucous membranes
Cetylpyridinium Chloride Hydrate
Chemical Identity: C21H38ClN·xH2O
Concentration: >98% (w/w) pure
Hazardous Components: Cetylpyridinium chloride hydrate (main component—acute toxicant, irritant)
Impurities/Washing Agents: No significant impurities expected for analytical/reagent grade
Additives: None listed
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with mild soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Keep at rest in a comfortable position for breathing. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Give small amount of water if victim is conscious. Get medical attention immediately.
Acute Symptoms: Burning sensation, soreness, redness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting
Advice for Medical Personnel: Treat symptomatically. Product is corrosive and can cause tissue damage.
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water jets may spread the fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Firefighting Procedures: Isolate area, evacuate personnel as needed, cool containers with flooding water spray to prevent pressure build-up and explosion
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Product can generate harmful gases if combusted; containers may explode under intense heat
Special Precautions: Avoid inhaling vapors or fumes from combustion
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use individual protection recommended in section on exposure controls and personal protection.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains, surface water, or soil.
Containment/Cleanup: Gather spilled material using non-sparking tools and place in suitable labeled waste container. For large spills, dike area to prevent release. Use absorbent materials like sand or earth.
Decontamination: Wash spill area after material pickup is complete; ventilate area.
Disposal: Dispose of contaminated materials as per disposal considerations section; follow local and national regulations.
Handling: Handle in well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing dust or vapor. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use only with adequate protection. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Avoid contamination; avoid sources of ignition.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials (strong oxidizers and acids). Keep in original container, tightly closed, away from sunlight and heat. Do not store with food or drink. Maintain temperature below 30°C.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, reducing agents.
Special Storage Considerations: Protect from moisture. Product is hygroscopic. Consider secondary containment for larger quantities.
Control Parameters: There are no occupational exposure limits established specifically for cetylpyridinium chloride hydrate. Handle as hazardous chemical. Use engineering measures to control dust.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, safety showers, eye wash stations in work area.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless to very faint
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: 6.0–7.5 (1% solution)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 80–83°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point/Range: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Not highly flammable; may burn if heated
Upper/Lower Flammability Limits: Not available
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Density: ~0.5 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Soluble (forms clear solution)
Solubility in Other Solvents: Slightly soluble in ethanol; insoluble in most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: >80°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Other Information: Hygroscopic
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possible Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases. Generates toxic vapors of hydrochloric acid and nitrogen oxides on thermal decomposition.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, humidity, sunlight, open flame. Dust generation.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases, reducing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, pyridine derivatives.
Other Reactivity Notes: Material is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from air.
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed, causes severe irritation or damage to gastrointestinal tract. Estimated oral LD50 (rat): 200–400 mg/kg.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation or burns depending on exposure level.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes serious eye damage, risk of permanent eye injury.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer; repeated or prolonged exposure may cause allergic reactions.
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not classified
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a known carcinogen.
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from animal testing
STOT (Single and Repeated Exposure): Target organs: gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes, mucous membranes.
Aspiration Hazard: Not classified
Symptoms of Exposure: Sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dermatitis, severe redness or burns of skin and eyes.
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms; estimated EC50 (daphnia, 48h): 0.03 mg/L.
Persistence/Degradability: Limited data available; quaternary ammonium compounds are persistent and not readily biodegradable.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Has the potential to accumulate in aquatic environments.
Mobility in Soil: Product likely to bind strongly to soils and sediments.
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid release to open waterways; large spills can damage aquatic habitats and microbial environments.
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow to enter surface water, drains, or soil.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of product and contaminated packaging in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.
Disposal of Product: Do not discharge to sewer systems. Incinerate in approved facility or dispose in hazardous waste landfill.
Disposal of Packaging: Rinse, puncture, and dispose via licensed facility.
Special Precautions: Follow all safety measures to avoid exposure during disposal. Consider environmental hazards.
UN Number: UN 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Cetylpyridinium chloride hydrate)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles)
Packing Group: III
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Avoid release to environment, keep packaging intact, handle gently
Transportation Labels: Miscellaneous dangerous goods, Marine pollutant
TSCA: Listed in the United States Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH (Europe): Registration status must be verified with manufacturer/supplier
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
OSHA Hazard Communication: Classified as hazardous per 29 CFR 1910.1200
EU Classification: Irritant, Dangerous for the environment
Label Elements: GHS07 (Irritant), GHS09 (Environment)
Other Regulations: Check state/provincial/local requirements; additional workplace labeling and controls may apply.
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Comply with all applicable national and regional regulations regarding safe use, handling, and disposal.
