Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Chlorhexidine, a biguanide derivative with the IUPAC name 1-chloro-6-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-hexanone, has the molecular formula C12H10Cl2N2O and a molecular weight of 268.9 g/mol. Its structure features a biguanide core linked to aromatic rings substituted with chloro groups. Therapeutically, it is utilized as an antiseptic in oral care, skin disinfectants, and surgical preparations. Chlorhexidine exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity due to its cationic nature, enabling electrostatic interaction with negatively charged microbial membranes. Key physicochemical properties include low aqueous solubility and high substantivity on tissues. The mechanism of action involves membrane disruption, causing cytoplasmic leakage and microbial cell death.