Cetylpyridinium (chloride), 98%

Product Introduction

Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CAS No. 123-03-5) is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound consisting of a pyridinium head group and a long-chain cetyl group. Its amphiphilic molecular structure gives it strong surface-active and antimicrobial properties.

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is widely used in microbiology, biochemical research, antimicrobial studies, surface chemistry, oral-care research, and formulation development. Its cationic structure allows interaction with negatively charged microbial membranes and other biological surfaces.

The compound is also used as an analytical and research reagent for investigating antimicrobial activity, surfactant behavior, and biological membrane interactions.

Mechanism / Principle

Cationic Antimicrobial Function

Cetylpyridinium Chloride functions primarily through its cationic quaternary ammonium structure and long hydrophobic alkyl chain.

In antimicrobial research:

• The positively charged pyridinium group interacts with negatively charged microbial surfaces.
• The hydrophobic cetyl chain interacts with lipid components of cell membranes.
• These interactions can disturb membrane structure and permeability.
• Membrane disruption can lead to loss of cellular integrity and microbial viability.

Cetylpyridinium has demonstrated broad-spectrum antiseptic activity against various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.

Key Research Applications

1. Antimicrobial Research

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is widely investigated for its antimicrobial properties.

Applications include:

• Antibacterial activity studies
• Antifungal research
• Antiseptic formulation development
• Microbial inhibition assays
• Antimicrobial screening

2. Microbiology

Its antimicrobial activity makes Cetylpyridinium Chloride useful in microbiological research.

Applications include:

• Microbial growth inhibition
• Bacterial susceptibility studies
• Microorganism screening
• Microbial membrane research
• Antimicrobial mechanism studies

3. Oral-Care Research

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is commonly investigated as an antimicrobial ingredient in oral-care formulations.

Applications include:

• Mouthwash formulation research
• Dental plaque studies
• Oral microbiology
• Gingivitis-related research
• Oral antimicrobial formulations

Research has reported activity against microorganisms associated with oral environments and plaque formation.

4. Surfactant and Surface Chemistry

As a cationic surfactant, Cetylpyridinium Chloride can be used to investigate interactions between charged interfaces and amphiphilic molecules.

Applications include:

• Cationic surfactant research
• Surface modification
• Adsorption studies
• Interfacial chemistry
• Colloid research

5. Biochemical Research

Cetylpyridinium Chloride can be used in biochemical studies involving membrane interactions and charged biomolecular systems.

Applications include:

• Membrane interaction studies
• Biomolecular surface research
• Protein–surfactant interaction studies
• Biological interface research
• Biochemical formulation development

6. Analytical and Reference Standard Research

Cetylpyridinium Chloride is also available as a standard material for quantitative analysis and quality-control research.

Applications include:

• Quantitative analysis
• HPLC method development
• Quality control
• Reference standard research
• Pharmaceutical analysis

Advantages

• Cationic quaternary ammonium structure
• Strong surface-active properties
• Broad antimicrobial research applications
• Suitable for microbiological studies
• Useful in oral-care formulation research
• Applicable to membrane and surface interaction studies
• Suitable for analytical and quality-control research
• Water soluble and compatible with aqueous formulations

Storage & Handling

• Store in a tightly sealed container.
• Keep in a cool, dry environment.
• Protect from moisture.
• For research-grade material, storage under nitrogen or another inert atmosphere may be recommended.
• Some suppliers specify storage at approximately 2–8°C or 4°C under nitrogen and away from moisture.
• Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and incompatible chemicals.
• Handle according to appropriate laboratory safety procedures.
• Consult the product-specific SDS before use.

Research Areas

Researchers working in the following fields may benefit from Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CAS No. 123-03-5):

• Microbiology
• Antimicrobial research
• Oral microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Surface chemistry
• Surfactant research
• Pharmaceutical analysis
• Formulation science
• Biomaterials
• Analytical chemistry

Q1: What is Cetylpyridinium Chloride?

A: Cetylpyridinium Chloride is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound with the CAS number 123-03-5 and molecular formula C₂₁H₃₈ClN. 

Q2: What is Cetylpyridinium Chloride used for?

A: It is mainly used in antimicrobial research, microbiology, oral-care research, surfactant studies, surface chemistry, and analytical research.

Q3: What is the molecular weight of Cetylpyridinium Chloride?

A: The molecular weight is 339.99 g/mol.

Q4: Is Cetylpyridinium Chloride a surfactant?

A: Yes. Its amphiphilic structure, consisting of a positively charged pyridinium group and a long hydrophobic cetyl chain, gives it cationic surfactant properties.

Q5: Does Cetylpyridinium Chloride have antimicrobial activity?

A: Yes. Cetylpyridinium Chloride is widely studied for antibacterial and antifungal activity and is used in antimicrobial formulations. 

Q6: Is Cetylpyridinium Chloride the same as Cetylpyridinium Chloride Monohydrate?

A: No. Anhydrous Cetylpyridinium Chloride is CAS 123-03-5, while Cetylpyridinium Chloride Monohydrate is CAS 6004-24-6.

Q7: Is Cetylpyridinium Chloride soluble in water?

A: Yes. Cetylpyridinium Chloride is freely soluble in water; one reported value is approximately 111 g/L at 20°C.

Q8: How should Cetylpyridinium Chloride be stored?

A: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment. Research-grade suppliers commonly recommend storage under nitrogen and away from moisture, with some specifying 2–8°C or 4°C.