Educational content for trained professionals. Not a Safety Data Sheet, not medical advice. In an emergency, call your local poison control or emergency services immediately. Terms of use.
cetylpyridinium chloride
Also known as: cetylpyridinium chloride · 123-03-5 · hexadecylpyridinium chloride · Pristacin
- CAS No.
- 123-03-5
- Formula
- C21H38ClN
- Molar mass
- 340 g/mol
- PubChem CID
- 31239
Corrosive
Toxic
Harmful / Irritant
Environmental hazard
Summary
Cetylpyridinium chloride is a pyridinium salt that has N-hexadecylpyridinium as the cation and chloride as the anion. It has antiseptic properties and is used in solutions or lozenges for the treatment of minor infections of the mouth and throat. It has a role as a surfactant and an antiseptic drug. It is a chloride salt and an organic chloride salt. It contains a cetylpyridinium.
Background
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Hazards
Attacks skin, eyes and materials.
May be fatal even in small doses.
May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.
Toxic to aquatic organisms.
Hazard statements
- H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]
- H302
- H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
- H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
- H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure
- H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
- H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
Storage
Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.
Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.
Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.
Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.
Personal protective equipment
Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.
Safety goggles with side shields.
A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.
Occupational exposure limits (HSE)
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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)
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Transport
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FDA recalls & enforcement
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Compatibilities
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Open comparator with cetylpyridinium chloridePractical safety notes
- Corrosive. Wear chemical goggles, faceshield and chemical-resistant gloves. Have an eyewash within reach.
- Acute toxicity. Work under a fume hood, restrict access, keep a specific antidote plan available.
- Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
- Environmental hazard. Do not release to sewers or waterways; collect for hazardous waste disposal.
Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.
FAQ
Is cetylpyridinium chloride flammable?+
cetylpyridinium chloride (CAS 123-03-5) does not carry the GHS02 flame pictogram in our records. Always confirm with the manufacturer's SDS section 9 (flash point) before assuming a product is non-flammable.
What PPE should I wear when handling cetylpyridinium chloride?+
Chemical-splash goggles and a faceshield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl) and an apron are the minimum. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.
How should cetylpyridinium chloride be stored?+
Store cetylpyridinium chloride (CAS 123-03-5) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Segregate acids from bases and keep away from metals that can be attacked.
Is cetylpyridinium chloride dangerous for the environment?+
Yes. cetylpyridinium chloride carries the GHS09 environment pictogram. Do not release to drains, soil or waterways; collect residues for hazardous-waste disposal in line with local regulations.
Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for cetylpyridinium chloride?+
Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.
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