Surfactants - Cationic Available — Bulk Only

Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC)

CPC
CAS 123-03-5 · Formula C21H38ClN · MW 340.0 g/mol

A pyridinium quaternary surfactant combining cationic, surface-active, and preservative functionality. It is used as an antimicrobial agent and preservative in oral-care and personal-care products and as a cationic surfactant; quaternary ammonium chemistry of this type is also applied in algaecide and slimicide systems.

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UN Number
UN 2811
Hazard Class
Class 6.1
At a Glance
Material Family
Surfactants - Cationic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Biocidal Action · Surfactancy
Solubility
Very soluble in water, chloroform
Functional Roles
CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE
ANTIMICROBIALANTISTATICDEODORANTHAIR CONDITIONINGORAL CARESURFACTANT - CLEANSINGSURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Antimicrobial preservative: Cationic preservative in oral-care and personal-care formulations
  • Cationic surfactant: Surface-active and antistatic agent
  • Biocidal chemistry: Quaternary ammonium algaecide/slimicide applications
Physical Properties
Melting Point
80 °C
Solubility
Very soluble in water, chloroform
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 6.1 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 2811
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 6.1
Proper Shipping NameToxic solids, organic, n.o.s.

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

Chemical Identity
CAS Number
123-03-5
Molecular Formula
C21H38ClN
Molecular Weight
340.0 g/mol
IUPAC Name
1-hexadecylpyridin-1-ium chloride
INCI Name
CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
YMKDRGPMQRFJGP-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Synonyms & Trade Names
cetylpyridinium chloride hexadecylpyridinium chloride Pristacin Cepacol Ceprim Cetamium Dobendan Pyrisept Aktivex Biosept 1-Cetylpyridinium chloride Ceepryn chloride Cepacol chloride Quaternario CPC Acetoquat CPC Intexsan CPC Swabettes Hoechst Ammonyx CPC Medilave
Full Description

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CAS 123-03-5), or CPC, is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound bearing a pyridinium ring. It is used as an antimicrobial agent and preservative in oral-care and personal-care products and as a cationic surfactant; quaternary ammonium chemistry of this type is also applied in algaecide and slimicide systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cetylpyridinium chloride used for?

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is used as an antimicrobial agent and preservative in oral-care and personal-care products and as a cationic surfactant. Quaternary ammonium chemistry of this type is also applied in algaecide and slimicide systems. RawSource supplies USP-grade CPC in bulk.

What is cetylpyridinium chloride?

CPC is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound bearing a pyridinium ring (CAS 123-03-5, C21H38ClN). It functions as a cationic surfactant and antimicrobial active. RawSource supplies it as a USP-grade raw material to manufacturers.

What does the USP grade designation mean for cetylpyridinium chloride?

USP indicates the material is represented as meeting United States Pharmacopeia monograph specifications for that grade. Confirm the actual grade and specifications against the CoA for your lot. RawSource supplies the CoA and SDS with each shipment.

What is the CAS number and formula for cetylpyridinium chloride?

The CAS is 123-03-5 and the molecular formula is C21H38ClN. It is supplied as a solid; verify assay and water content against the CoA for your lot before formulating.

What bulk packaging is cetylpyridinium chloride USP available in?

As a solid it typically ships in bags, fiber drums, or supersacks depending on volume; HS classification is generally 293339. A CoA and SDS accompany each lot. Submit a bulk RFQ with your target volume for current pricing.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.