Cetylpyridinium chloride

Cetylpyridinium chloride
IUPAC name	1-Hexadecylpyridinium chloride
Identifiers
CAS number	123-03-5
PubChem	31239
SMILES	CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[n+]1ccccc1.[Cl-]
Properties
Molecular formula	C21H38NCl
Molar mass	339.986 g/mol
Melting point	77 °C, 350 K, 171 °F
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound in some types of mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, throat sprays, anti-snore throat sprays, breath sprays, and nasal sprays. It is an antiseptic that kills bacteria and other microorganisms. It has been shown to be effective in preventing dental plaque and reducing gingivitis. It has also been used as an ingredient in certain pesticides. However, this ingredient has also been shown (according to WebMD, eMedicine, and Amazon.com and Drugstore.com reviews of Crest Pro-Health® rinse product) to cause brown stains between the teeth.

Synonyms

Cetylpyridinium chloride is called or is present in commercial products such as n as 1-palmitylpyridinium chloride, C16-alkylpyridinium chloride, 1-hexadecylpyridinium chloride, acetoquat CPC, aktivex, ammonyx CPC, cecure, ceepryn chloride, cepacol, ceprim, cepacol chloride, cetafilm, cetamium, dobendan, halset, ipanol, medilave, mercocet, merothol, pionin B, pristacin, pyrisept and asept.

Physical and chemical properties

Cetylpyridinium chloride has the molecular formula C₂₁H₃₈NCl and at its pure form is in a solid state at room temperature. It has a melting point of 77 °C when anhydrous or 80–83 °C in its monohydrate form. It is insoluble in acetone, acetic acid, or ethanol. It has a pyridine-like odor. It is combustible. Concentrated solutions are destructive to mucous membranes. It is very toxic when inhaled.

The CAS number for the monohydrate is [6004-24-6].

In some products, cetylpyridinium bromide is used instead. Its properties are virtually identical.

Toxicology and Pharmacology

The LD50 in rats is 200 mg/kg.

External links

• Material Safety Data Sheet
• Page on its use in mouthwash
• Chemical Information
• An in vitro evaluation of the availability of cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine in some commercially available mouthrinse products by S. Sheen and M. Addy in British Dental Journal