Cetrimide Powder

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Cetrimide Powder is a high-purity quaternary ammonium compound widely used for its antiseptic, disinfectant, and surfactant properties. It is a cationic surfactant derived from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight characteristic odor. Known for its excellent antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi, cetrimide is frequently incorporated in pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial formulations. It acts as a bactericidal agent, detergent, and emulsifier, providing effective cleaning and disinfecting action.

Description

Cetrimide Powder

Primary Uses 

Pharmaceuticals & Medical

  • Used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in wound cleaning solutions, surgical scrubs, and topical antiseptic creams and ointments.
  • Incorporated in medicated shampoos and washes for treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis due to antimicrobial action.
  • Acts as a surfactant and emulsifier in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance consistency and stability.

Personal Care & Cosmetics

  • Utilized in antiseptic creams, lotions, and skin cleansers.
  • Functions as a foaming agent and cleansing surfactant in shampoos and body washes.
  • Used in oral care products like mouthwashes for its antimicrobial properties.

Industrial & Household

  • Employed in disinfectant solutions and surface cleaners for hospitals and households.
  • Used in water treatment processes as a biocide to control microbial growth.

 

Secondary Uses

Laboratory & Research

  • Used as a surfactant in biochemical and microbiological applications.
  • Employed in DNA extraction protocols and as a detergent in molecular biology.

Textile & Leather Processing

  • Applied as a wetting and antiseptic agent in textile dyeing and leather treatment processes.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes
  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): N,N,N-trimethyl-1-hexadecylammonium bromide (major component)
  • Common/Trade Name: Cetrimide Powder 98%
  • CAS Number: 61789-75-3
  • HS Code: 2923.29.00
  • Molecular Formula: C19H42BrN
  • Synonyms:
    • Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
    • Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide
    • Antiseptic quaternary ammonium compound

 

  1. Physical & Chemical Properties
  • Physical State: White to off-white crystalline powder
  • Color & Odor: White; slight characteristic ammonium odor
  • Melting Point: 55–60°C (decomposes)
  • Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
  • Density: ~1.01 g/cm³
  • Solubility:
    • Soluble in water (forms clear solutions)
    • Soluble in alcohols and acetone
    • Insoluble in hydrocarbons
  • pH (1% aqueous solution): ~5.5–7.0
  • Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; hygroscopic

 

  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes
  • Hazard Class (GHS): Harmful if swallowed; causes skin and eye irritation
  • NFPA Ratings:
    • Health: 2
    • Flammability: 0
    • Reactivity: 0
  • Exposure Limits: No specific exposure limit established; avoid inhalation and skin contact
  • Toxicity: Moderately toxic; potential irritant to mucous membranes and skin
  • Reactivity: Stable; avoid mixing with anionic surfactants or oxidizers

 

  1. Storage & Handling Attributes
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible materials
  • Container Type: Sealed polyethylene or glass containers recommended
  • Shelf Life: 2-3 years if stored properly
  • Special Handling: Use personal protective equipment (PPE); avoid dust formation and inhalation

 

  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
  • Pharmacopoeial Status: Listed in BP and USP as antiseptic grade
  • Cosmetic Regulatory Status: Approved for use as preservative and antiseptic ingredient globally
  • REACH Status: Registered
  • Transportation: Not classified as hazardous for transport if packaged properly
  • Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local environmental regulations

 

  1. Environmental & Health Impact
  • Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid release into waterways
  • Persistence: Moderately persistent in the environment
  • Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation; handle waste responsibly
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: No evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic effects at recommended use levels

Biodegradability: Partial biodegradability; depends on environmental conditions

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  • Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE: Gloves, protective goggles, dust mask or respirator if handling powder in bulk
  • Handling: Avoid dust generation; use in well-ventilated areas
  • Storage: Keep container tightly closed; store away from acids and anionic surfactants
  • Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; if breathing is difficult, seek medical attention
  • Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
  • Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical attention

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Not highly flammable; may burn under fire conditions
  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus

Decomposition Products: May emit toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen bromide on combustion