About Chlorhexidine: The Molecule

Chlorhexidine
(1:6­di[4­chlorophenyldiguanido]­hexane)

Chlorhexidine is characterized as being a strong base with cationic properties.5 It is available in both freebase and stable salt forms, with a white or yellowish appearance.1,7 Chlorhexidine diacetate (CHA), chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, chlorhexidine digluconate, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and chlorhexidine phosphanilate3 are chlorhexidine solutions that are colorless, odorless and have an extremely bitter taste.12

In healthcare or commercial use, CHG is one of the more commonly used forms of the chlorhexidine salts due to its ability to dissolve in water and deliver the molecule in an effective way.6

The Molecule

(1:6­di[4­chlorophenyldiguanido]­hexane)

CHA has also been bonded to polyurethane and other surfaces for use in medical devices.