Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride (PHMB-HCl)

What is PHMB-HCl?

Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, also known as PHMB-HCl, is a disinfectant and antiseptic agent commonly used in healthcare settings and consumer products. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a versatile ingredient for various applications such as wound care, surgical preparation, and surface disinfection. PHMB is known for its high efficacy and low toxicity, making it a popular choice for use in hospitals, clinics, and household cleaning products.

Physicochemical Properties of PHMB-HCl

Some of the key physicochemical properties of polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride include:

• Molecular formula: The molecular formula of PHMB-HCl is (C8H17N5)n•(HCl)x, n=12-16.
• Solubility: Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride is highly soluble in water, which allows it to be easily dispersed in aqueous solutions.
• Appearance: PHMB-HCl typically appears as a colorless to slightly yellowish liquid or solid, depending on its concentration and form.
• Stability: Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride is stable under normal conditions but may degrade when exposed to high temperatures or ultraviolet light.
• pH: The pH of solutions containing PHMB-HCl may vary depending on the concentration and formulation; however, it is typically acidic due to the presence of hydrochloride ions.
• Viscosity: PHMB-HCl solutions exhibit viscosity, which can vary based on the concentration and temperature of the solution.
• Chemical structure: Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride is a polymeric compound consisting of repeating units of hexamethylene biguanide monomers linked by amide bonds.

Overall, polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride possesses physicochemical properties that make it suitable for various applications, including use as a disinfectant, preservative, and antimicrobial agent in a wide range of products and industries.

Applications of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride

• Disinfection and sanitization: PHMB-HCl is used in the formulation of disinfectants and sanitizers for various purposes, including cleaning medical equipment, surfaces, and textiles in healthcare settings.
• Personal care products: PHMB-HCl is found in a variety of personal care products, such as wound care products, contact lens solutions, and hand sanitizers, where its antimicrobial properties help prevent infections.
• Water treatment: PHMB-HCl is used in swimming pools, spas, and other water systems to control microbial growth and maintain water quality.
• Agriculture: PHMB-HCl can be used to protect crops from fungal and bacterial diseases, as well as in seed treatments to prevent contamination.
• Industrial applications: PHMB-HCl is also used in industrial settings for microbial control in cooling towers, oilfield operations, and other processes where microbial contamination can be a concern.