Physical and Chemical Properties
Cetylpyridinium chloride has the molecular formula C21H38NCl and at its pure form is in a solid state at room temperature. It has a melting point of 77 °C when anhydrous or 80–83 °C in its monohydrate form. It is insoluble in acetone, acetic acid, or ethanol. It has a pyridine-like odor. It is combustible. Concentrated solutions are destructive to mucous membranes. It is toxic when swallowed or inhaled, but is commonly used at low concentrations in many over-the-counter oral health care products (see below regarding the use of CPC in OTC drugs).
In some products, cetylpyridinium bromide is used instead. Its properties are virtually identical.
Its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is 0.00124M, corresponding to 0.042% in water.
Read more about this topic: Cetylpyridinium Chloride
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