Chlorobutanol

Chlorobutanol, a chlorinated derivative of butanol, has emerged as a versatile compound renowned for its antimicrobial properties and myriad of applications across various industries. 

Historical Origins

Chlorobutanol, chemically known as trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol, was first synthesized in the late 19th century. It gained recognition for its antimicrobial properties, paving the way for its use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other fields.

Properties 

Chlorobutanol possesses several key properties that contribute to its efficacy and versatility:

1. Antimicrobial Activity: One of the primary characteristics of chlorobutanol is its potent antimicrobial action against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.

2. Solubility and Stability: Chlorobutanol demonstrates good solubility in water and various solvents, allowing for its incorporation into diverse formulations. It also exhibits stability under different environmental conditions.

3. Preservative Qualities: Due to its antimicrobial properties, chlorobutanol is utilized as a preservative in various pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care products.

4. Mild Anesthetic Properties: Chlorobutanol has been reported to possess mild local anesthetic properties, contributing to its use in certain medical formulations.

Uses

Chlorobutanol's versatility is reflected in its widespread applications across different industries:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Preservative: Chlorobutanol is commonly used as a preservative in ophthalmic solutions, injectables, and oral formulations due to its ability to inhibit microbial growth.

• Antimicrobial Agent: It is incorporated into topical creams, ointments, and suppositories for its antimicrobial properties, aiding in the treatment of various skin infections.

2. Cosmetic and Personal Care Products:

• Preservative: Chlorobutanol is utilized in cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, and shampoos, to prevent microbial contamination and extend product shelf life.

3. Laboratory and Research:

• Microbiological Studies: Chlorobutanol is employed in microbiological laboratories for its role in inhibiting microbial growth in culture media, facilitating research endeavors.

4. Industrial Applications:

• Chemical Intermediary: Chlorobutanol serves as an intermediary in the synthesis of other compounds and pharmaceutical derivatives.

Benefits

The diverse applications of chlorobutanol provide various benefits across different sectors:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Extended Shelf Life: Chlorobutanol as a preservative prolongs the shelf life of pharmaceutical products, ensuring their stability and efficacy.

• Enhanced Safety: By inhibiting microbial growth, chlorobutanol helps maintain the safety and quality of medications.

2. Cosmetic and Personal Care Products:

• Product Stability: Chlorobutanol contributes to the stability of cosmetic and personal care products, preventing spoilage and maintaining their effectiveness.

• Reduced Contamination: Its antimicrobial properties minimize the risk of contamination in skincare and haircare formulations.

3. Laboratory and Research:

• Reliable Research Medium: Chlorobutanol aids in creating reliable microbiological media by preventing unwanted microbial contamination, supporting accurate research outcomes.

Chlorobutanol's robust antimicrobial properties and multifaceted applications underscore its significance across various industries. Its role as a preservative in pharmaceuticals and personal care products ensures product stability and safety, benefiting consumers and industries alike. Additionally, its contribution to laboratory research by creating reliable microbiological media further emphasizes its importance. As chlorobutanol continues to play a pivotal role in preserving quality, extending shelf life, and preventing microbial contamination, its significance in diverse fields remains integral. Careful consideration of regulations and safety standards ensures its responsible use, optimizing the multitude of benefits it offers across industries.

References

1. Kunimoto D.Y., Pandit J.C., Sharma S., Garg P., Rao G.N. (2002) Intracameral cefazolin as prophylaxis against endophthalmitis in cataract surgery. Ophthalmology, 109(11), 2032-2039.
2. Weimar, W. R. (2017) United States Patent Application Publication. US 2017/0139882 A1.
3. Chen K., Jiang Y., Ren X., Chen S., Cao L., Shi X., Tang Z. (2020) Investigation of the Properties of Chitosan-Based Edible Films Incorporated with Carvacrol and Their Applications in the Preservation of Postharvest Nectarine Fruit. Foods, 9(1), 71.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

CHARACTERISTICS         

Content (Assay)

Identification

Appearance of solution

Acidity

Chlorides

Water

Sulphated ash

HAZARDOUS IDENTIFICATION

STORAGE