Zinc Pyrithione
Zinc Pyrithione is a high-purity antimicrobial and antifungal compound derived from the coordination of zinc with pyrithione (1-hydroxy-2-pyridinethione). It is widely used as an active ingredient in personal care formulations, industrial coatings, and materials preservation due to its broad-spectrum biocidal efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and algae. Its excellent thermal stability and compatibility with various systems make it ideal for diverse industrial and cosmetic applications.
Zinc Pyrithione
Primary Uses
- Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Anti-Dandruff Agent: Widely used in shampoos and scalp treatments to control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Antifungal in Skin Products: Used in creams and lotions to treat fungal skin conditions like tinea and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Paints & Coatings Industry
- Dry Film Preservative: Protects painted surfaces from fungal and algal growth, especially in humid conditions.
- Marine Coatings: Used in anti-fouling marine paints to prevent biofilm formation on ship hulls and underwater structures.
- Plastics & Polymers
- Antimicrobial Additive: Integrated into plastic products, sealants, and silicone to prevent microbial colonization.
- Textiles
- Antibacterial Treatment: Used in technical and medical textiles for microbial control and odor resistance.
Secondary Uses
- Construction Materials
- Biocide in Sealants and Adhesives: Added to construction sealants to prevent mold and mildew.
- Industrial Water Systems
- Microbial Control Agent: Occasionally used in industrial water circuits to prevent microbial growth (under regulated conditions).
- Leather Treatment
- Preservative: Applied during leather processing to inhibit microbial degradation and mold formation.
- Agriculture (Restricted/Regulated)
- Fungicide (Specialty Applications): Under strict regulatory control, used in select applications to prevent fungal growth on surfaces or equipment.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Bis(1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethionato-O,S)zinc
- Common/Trade Name: Zinc Pyrithione
- CAS Number: 13463-41-7
- HS Code: 2930.90.99
- Synonyms: ZPT, Zinc Omadine, Zinci pyrithionis
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline powder
- Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; faint odor
- Melting Point: ~240 °C (decomposes)
- Solubility: Poorly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol and surfactant systems
- pH (1% Suspension): ~6.5–8.0
- Density: ~1.8 g/cm³
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- Harmful if swallowed
- Causes serious eye irritation
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
- Toxicity: Moderately toxic; not for internal or long-term unregulated exposure
- Exposure Limits: Avoid inhalation of powder; handle with PPE
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place, in tightly sealed containers away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Container Type: Fiber drums or HDPE containers with liners
- Shelf Life: 2 years under proper storage conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust generation and contact with eyes or skin
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved by FDA, EU, and other regulatory bodies for limited concentrations in personal care products
- Complies with REACH and TSCA for industrial us
- Subject to maximum concentration limits in cosmetics (typically 0.3% in rinse-off products)
- Not for use in food or pharmaceutical products
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 22716 (GMP for cosmetics, when applicable)
- Must meet biocidal product regulations (BPR) in the EU and FIFRA in the U.S.
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Slowly biodegradable under environmental conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms; must not be released into waterway
- Bioaccumulation: Low to moderate potential; environmental monitoring recommended
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator
- Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation; avoid formation of airborne dust
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly sealed; label clearly
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes; consult a physician
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical help
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; may release toxic fumes (sulfur oxides, zinc oxides) if heated excessively
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry powder, CO₂
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Sulfur dioxide, zinc oxide fumes
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