Material Safety Data Sheet: Cetylpyridinium Bromide (CPB)

Identification

Product Name: Cetylpyridinium Bromide
Chemical Formula: C21H38BrN
CAS Number: 2468-41-7
Synonyms: CPB, 1-Hexadecylpyridinium bromide
Recommended Uses: Antimicrobial agent, surfactant, research applications
Supplier Contact Details: Name, Address, Phone, Email provided on product label
Emergency Phone Number: Appears on supplier label for immediate incident response

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 3), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Acute Aquatic Toxicity (Category 1)
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, environment
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, very toxic to aquatic life
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, avoid release to the environment, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, clean up spills quickly

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Cetylpyridinium Bromide Content: 98-100% by weight
Impurities: Minor trace cationic surfactants possible (≤1%)
Molecular Weight: 372.44 g/mol
Ingredient Origin: Laboratory synthesis, not from natural sources
Specific Chemical Identity: Pure compound, no hazardous decomposition products under normal use

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air, monitor for respiratory distress, seek medical advice for persistent coughing or breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with plenty of water, use mild soap if available, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, seek prompt medical evaluation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, do not induce vomiting, give a glass of water if conscious, contact poison control center or doctor immediately

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam in case of fire
Special Hazards from Fire: Produces toxic fumes of bromine, nitrogen oxides, and carbon oxides under combustion
Firefighting Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full turnout gear
Specific Fire Procedures: Move containers from fire area if it can be done safely, use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers, avoid runoff into drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and laboratory coat; avoid inhaling dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release or entry into waterways, drains, or soil; notify authorities if significant environmental exposure occurs
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep up spilled material, avoid dust, place in sealed containers for disposal, ventilate affected area, wash surfaces thoroughly

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes; avoid generating dust; only open containers in well-ventilated spaces or chemical fume hoods, keep away from incompatible substances
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original containers; keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers)
Special Storage Rules: Clearly label storage containers; maintain good housekeeping; separate from acids and oxidizers; keep away from food and drink areas

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood; keep air concentrations below exposure limits
Respiratory Protection: Wear certified respirator if dust generation is likely or process is not adequately ventilated
Hand Protection: Impervious gloves (nitrile or neoprene suggested)
Eye Protection: Chemical safety goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Use laboratory coat, apron or protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid eating or drinking in chemical areas, remove contaminated clothing before entering clean areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or slight amine smell
pH (1% solution): Approximately 6–8
Melting Point: About 150°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.0–1.1 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (Log Pow): Not available
Flash Point: Not flammable
Decomposition Temperature: Tends to break down above 150°C into toxic byproducts

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use
Reactive Conditions: High temperatures, exposure to strong acids or oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, strong alkalis
Hazardous Decomposition: Burning generates toxic gases including bromine and nitrogen oxides
Polymerization: Will not occur
Sensitivity to Physical Impact or Static Discharge: No data suggests high sensitivity

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats estimated around 30–50 mg/kg (toxic dose)
Skin Effects: Causes moderate irritation with possible dermatitis on repeated contact
Eye Effects: Triggers redness, pain, serious irritation
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of dust may cause coughing, sneezing, or airway irritation
Chronic Effects: Data limited, avoid extended exposure
Sensitization: Not classified as a known skin sensitizer
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: Available studies show no clear evidence in tested models, but exposure should still be minimized

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, with possible long-term adverse effects
Aquatic Data: LC50 (fish, 96hr): < 1 mg/L; EC50 (daphnia, 48hr): < 1 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Expected to degrade slowly; high potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic systems
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility; sticks to organic matter
Other Harmful Effects: High risk of water system contamination; even small spills require immediate containment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Such waste qualifies as hazardous; incinerate in alignment with local, regional, and national guidelines, or entrust to licensed chemical disposers
Container Handling: Triple rinse containers before disposal; do not reuse empty containers
Special Precautions: Avoid contamination of soil and waterways; follow official regulations strictly
Legal Considerations: Track manifest for each disposal instance as per local environmental compliance protocols

Transport Information

UN Number: 2811
UN Proper Shipping Name: Toxic Solid, Organic, N.O.S. (Cetylpyridinium Bromide)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic Substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Toxic
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Transport Precautions: Secure packaging, segregate from foodstuffs, inform carrier of spill risks, comply with ICAO/IATA-DGR/IMDG requirements during shipment

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed as hazardous; covered by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA Inventory: Included
REACH Registration: Substance subject to registration within EU
Labeling Requirements: Complies with GHS and regional labeling laws
Other Regulations: Covered under international chemical safety conventions and national chemical control legislation
Restrictions: Not approved for direct food or pharmaceutical use without licensed approval