Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride

Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CAS 3697-42-5), also known by the abbreviations CHX and the trade designations Lisium and U-4527, is a synthetic bisbiguanide antimicrobial compound. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under pharmaceutical intermediates. It is distinct from, though closely related to, chlorhexidine diacetate and chlorhexidine gluconate salts.

In pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing, chlorhexidine dihydrochloride serves as the active biocide in surgical scrubs, wound irrigants, and preservative systems for topical formulations. It disrupts microbial cell membranes by binding to negatively charged phospholipid bilayers, causing leakage of intracellular contents and cell death across a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. Water treatment applications exploit the same membrane-disruption mechanism to control biofilm formation in process water systems.

This material is supplied as a white crystalline solid conforming to Ph.Eur. monograph specifications and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. It is available in standard fiber drum and multi-wall bag packaging. Procurement enquiries for specific grades or documentation, including CoA and SDS, are handled on request.