Cetrimide Powder
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.
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.
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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
- 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 CO₂
- 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
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