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Disinfectants and oxidizers

Chlorhexidine

Also known as Hexadol, Soretol, Fimeil

CAS 55-56-1Formula C22H30Cl2N10Molar mass 505.46 g/molEC 200-238-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard, Hazardous to the environment 93 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Chlorhexidine chemical structure, C22H30Cl2N10, CAS 55-56-1
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystals from methanol
Melting point
134 °C
Solubility
MW: 578.38, crystals, decomposes 260-262 °C. Solubility in water at 20 °C: 0.06 g/100 mL…
HS code
292529
Category
Disinfectants and oxidizers
Illustrative photo, a shrink wrapped pallet of kraft paper sacks in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Chlorhexidine?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide compound with a structure consisting of two (p-chlorophenyl)guanide units linked by a hexamethylene bridge. It has a role as an antibacterial agent and an antiinfective agent. It is a member of biguanides and a member of monochlorobenzenes. It is functionally related to a biguanide.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(1E)-2-[6-[[amino-[(E)-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]amino]methylidene]amino]hexyl]-1-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]guanidine
CAS number
55-56-1 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-238-7
Molecular formula
C22H30Cl2N10
UNII
R4KO0DY52L
INCI name
CHLORHEXIDINE
InChIKey
GHXZTYHSJHQHIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C22H30Cl2N10/c23-15-5-9-17(10-6-15)31-21(27)33-19(25)29-13-3-1-2-4-14-30-20(26)34-22(28)32-18-11-7-16(24)8-12-18/h5-12H,1-4,13-14H2,(H5,25,27,29,31,33)(H5,26,28,30,32,34)
Canonical SMILES
NC(=NCCCCCCN=C(N)N=C(N)Nc1ccc(Cl)cc1)N=C(N)Nc1ccc(Cl)cc1
Isomeric SMILES
C1=CC(=CC=C1N/C(=N/C(=NCCCCCCN=C(/N=C(/NC2=CC=C(C=C2)Cl)\N)N)N)/N)Cl

Synonyms

  • Hexadol
  • Soretol
  • Fimeil
  • Sterilon
  • Tubulicid
  • Chlorhexidinum
  • Chlorhexidin
  • Clorhexidina
  • Cloresidina
  • Nolvasan
  • Merfen-incolore
  • Chlorhexadine
  • Dentisept
  • 1,6-Bis(p-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane
  • 1,6-Di(4'-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane
  • 1,6-Bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguandino)hexane
  • 1,1'-Hexamethylene bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide)
  • 1,6-Di(N-p-chlorophenyldiguanido)hexane
  • 2,4,11,13-Tetraazatetradecanediimidamide, N,N''-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-
  • N,N'-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradecanediimidamide
  • N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-3-(6-{N-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidoyl]amino}hexyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidamide
  • clorexidina
  • (1E)-2-[6-[[amino-[(E)-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]amino]methylidene]amino]hexyl]-1-[amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene]guanidine
  • N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-3-(6-(N-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidoyl)amino)hexyl)carbamimidamidomethanimidamide
  • Metz Soft Kote Teat Dip
Show all 34 synonyms
  • Metz Soft Kote TeatSpray
  • chlorhexidini dihydrochloridum
  • MK 412A
  • (1E)-2-(6-((amino-((E)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine
  • (1Z)-2-(6-((amino-((Z)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine
  • 2-(6-((amino-((amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine
  • (1E)-2-(6-((amino-((Z)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine
  • 2-(6-((amino-((E)-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)amino)methylidene)amino)hexyl)-1-(amino-(4-chloroanilino)methylidene)guanidine
  • Rotersept

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Crystals from methanolexp.
Melting point
134 °Cexp.
Solubility
MW: 578.38, crystals, decomposes 260-262 °C. Solubility in water at 20 °C: 0.06 g/100 mL /Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
505.46 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
504.2032 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
3.34calc.
Topological polar surface area
177.6 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
6calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
9calc.
Heavy atoms
34calc.
Rings
2calc.
Aromatic rings
2calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.27calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Fails (2 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, C(=NC=NCCCCCCN=CN=CNc1ccccc1)Nc1ccccc1

C(=NC=NCCCCCCN=CN=CNc1ccccc1)Nc1ccccc1

2 rings, 28 atoms.

32 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
  • H400Very toxic to aquatic life.
  • H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (28)
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P342 + P316If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Chlorhexidine suppliers

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All 93 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

93 suppliers in 22 countries

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Chlorhexidine price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

For chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 481700) there are 0 labels match. (Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride).

Industrial uses: Intermediate.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name CHLORHEXIDINE(antimicrobial, oral care, preservative)

Pharmacological actions

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Disinfectants
  • Mouthwashes

Roles

  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • antibacterial agent
  • antiinfective agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antiviral agent
  • ophthalmology drug
  • pharmaceutical

Functional uses

  • Biocide
  • Preservative

Cosmetic functions

  • Antimicrobial
  • Oral care
  • Preservative

Pharmacology

The physiologic effect of chlorhexidine is by means of Decreased Cell Wall Integrity.

How it is made

It can be prepared ... from 1,6-hexamethylenebis(dicyandiamide) and 4-chloroaniline hydrochloride.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V, allowed preservative
    Name: CHLORHEXIDINE / CHLORHEXIDINE DIACETATE / CHLORHEXIDINE DIGLUCONATE / CHLORHEXIDINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE, Ref no: 42, Annex ref: V/42
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce, Regulatory flags: Added by a premanufacture notice

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Chlorhexidine is traded under.

HS 2925.29Indicative HS code

Imines and their derivatives, salts thereof, other

World exports in 2024
$1.8B
+12.4% vs 2023, imports $1.84B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China35.9%
  2. France * partner reported15.5%
  3. Germany9.1%
Top importers
  1. United States13.3%
  2. China13.0%
  3. Brazil9.7%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Chlorhexidine is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Chlorhexidine, based on the data on this page

What is Chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide compound with a structure consisting of two (p-chlorophenyl)guanide units linked by a hexamethylene bridge. It has a role as an antibacterial agent and an antiinfective agent. It is a member of biguanides and a member of monochlorobenzenes. It is functionally related to a biguanide.

What is the CAS number of Chlorhexidine?

The CAS registry number of Chlorhexidine is 55-56-1.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Chlorhexidine?

The molecular formula of Chlorhexidine is C22H30Cl2N10 and its molar mass is 505.46 g/mol.

What is Chlorhexidine used for?

For chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 481700) there are 0 labels match. (Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride). Industrial uses: Intermediate. Use classes: Cosmetics.

Is Chlorhexidine hazardous?

Chlorhexidine carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine is usually classified under HS code 292529 (Imines and their derivatives, salts thereof, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Chlorhexidine?

CompoundList lists 93 suppliers of Chlorhexidine in United States, India, China, Hong Kong and 18 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Chlorhexidine in India?

24 suppliers in India list Chlorhexidine on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Chlorhexidine?

Suppliers quote Chlorhexidine on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Chlorhexidine

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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