PCMX is a widely used biocide active against bacterial and fungal growth in
a wide range of applications.
The product is a white crystalline solid and can easily be formulated
into soaps, detergents, antiseptics, disinfectants and many other
products.
Thomas Swan & Co is the largest producer in Europe, with a plant
capacity of 2000 tpa from a dedicated production plant. The final
product is available in 25Kg poly lined fibreboard boxes and in 500kg
and 1000kg fabric IBC’s.
Description
PARA CHLORO META
XYLENOL (PCMX)
is an exceptionally
broad spectrum bactericide and preservative with a long established and
proven use in controlling bacteria, mildew and fungal growth in a wide
range of applications (medical, domestic and industrial).
Physical and
Chemical Properties
Synonyms:
Para Chloro Meta Xylenol, PCMX
4 chloro
3,5-dimethyl phenol,
4 chloro
3,5 xylenol,
4 chloro
meta xylenol
"Chloroxylenol" (British Pharmacopoeia).
CAS number: 88-04-0
Typical Properties
|
Form |
crystals or crystalline powder |
|
Colour |
white or cream |
|
Odour |
characteristic |
|
Melting Point °C |
114 - 116 |
Antimicrobial
Activity
PCMX
is a bactericidal active which, in a large number of differing
formulations, has been proved over many years to be highly efficient
against a wide range of microorganisms. PCMX is bactericidal,
not merely bacteriostatic and control is afforded versus fungi, gram
positive, gram negative bacteria and some viruses. Many virus types are
resistant to chemical germicides including PCMX but can be
controlled by the use of easily formulated mixtures of PCMX and
other bactericides.
Other general
advantages of PCMX preparations when compared with other
bactericidal agents are:
|
· |
PCMX
is compatible with a wide range of anionic and amphoteric
surfactants and soaps and formulation is easy. Pine oil is a
useful carrier and adjunct for PCMX and bactericidal
activity can be enhanced by its use. |
|
· |
For various applications PCMX may be
formulated with other chlorinated phenols, sulphur and
quaternary ammonium compounds. It is compatible with a wide
variety of pharmaceuticals including hydrocortisones, pramoximes,
propylparaban and sulphathiazoles. |
|
· |
Dirt and particulate soil can inactivate all
bactericides to a greater or lesser extent. PCMX based
formulations are more tolerant than most in this respect. |
|
· |
PCMX
is bactericidally active over a pH range of at least 4 - 9. |
|
· |
PCMX
exhibits low metal corrosivity; an important factor where
instrumentsterilization is involved. |
Solubility and
Formulation
PCMX
is only very slightly soluble in water even at high temperatures and
only marginally more soluble in alkaline solution. It is soluble to a
greater extent in alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol (50-87
g/100ml solvent) and in glycols and glycol ethers. The alcohol and
glycol solutions are themselves highly soluble in sodium, potassium or
triethanolamine soaps of oleic, ricinoleic, coconut or myristic fatty
acids. The most popular soap is the sodium or potassium salt of castor
oil (ricinoleic predominant).
For antiseptic
skin/wound cleansers, disinfectants and detergent disinfectants,
formulation is based on dissolving the PCMX in soap solution in
the presence of alcohol. Soap quantity is critical (lower bactericidal
action can result due to envelopment of PCMX in soap micelles).
The most popular perfume addition is pine; pine oil, terpinolene,
terpineol or blends. Such strong perfumes are sometimes deemed
necessary to counter the strong 'phenolic' odour of PCMX but a
distinctive note can be achieved by the further addition of small
quantities of citronella, ionone, phenyl ether alcohol or similar aroma
chemicals. Pine oil at certain levels can enhance bactericidal activity
(eg versus salmonella typhi) but excessive concentrations can decrease
activity towards staphylococcus type organisms.
Handling
Consult relevant Material Safety Data Sheet.
Applications
1. Hospital
and General Medical Use
PCMX
based formulations can be used as antiseptics in hospitals and medical
practice generally in:-
|
· |
Surgical hand scrub operations |
|
· |
The pre operative skin preparation of patients |
|
· |
The sterilization of instruments |
|
· |
The general cleaning of equipment and all hard
surfaces to reduce the incidence of cross infection |
Hospital sanitizing
soaps, athletes foot and general first aid products can be formulated
using PCMX. It may be formulated in liquid, waterless hand
cleanser, powder, cream or lotion form.
PCMX
also acts as a preservative in other pharmaceutical products.
2. Household
and General Germicidal Use
The low toxicity of
PCMX has led to its wide use in the home, office and factory in:
|
· |
Antiseptic skin wound cleaning and protectant
formulations (liquids, creams, lotions) |
|
· |
General disinfectants and combined
detergent/disinfectants* |
|
· |
Antimicrobial soaps and health-care personal
handwash formulations* |
|
· |
Shampoo (especially anti-dandruff) formulations*. |
3. Industrial
Use
PCMX
has found use in the following applications*:
|
· |
Surface Coatings:- in-can preservation of aqueous
coating products and as a fungicidal additive to paints used in
humid rooms |
|
· |
Glues and Adhesives - prevention of microbial
decomposition and mould infestation (especially protein based
glues) |
|
· |
Cutting Oils (Lubricants) - prevention of microbial
decomposition which can cause objectionable odours, clogging of
filters, corrosion and indeed cutting fluid becoming
unserviceable |
|
· |
Leather Processing - prevention of mould formation
and bacterial and fungal attack (especially in pickled pelts,
vegetable tanned leathers, salted and dried raw hides) |
|
· |
Paper Processing - preservation of filler
suspensions, coating mixes, resin sizes, size dispersion and
especially preservation of highly susceptible coating mixes and
sizes. |
|
· |
Textile Processing and Finishing - fabric
impregnation, (car roof linings, tarpaulins, rot proofing
generally, cordage belts for fire hoses etc). Preservation
(lubricants, finishes, sizes, yarn humidifiers, spinning bath
solutions and durable print thickeners). |
|
· |
Concrete - prevention of microbial decomposition of
concrete additives used to slow down the setting and control the
viscosity of concrete mixes. |
|
· |
Fire Prevention - as a preservative for protein
containing fire extinguishing products. |
|
· |
Photographical - prevention of microbial attack in
gelatins |
|
· |
Polishes & other Wax Emulsions - prevention of
microbial attack |
For further details submit our
Enquiries Form
Thomas Swan - Casacolour
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