What is Polyhexamethylene Biguanide CAS 32289-58-0?

Polyhexamethylene biguanide, commonly called PHMB or polyhexanide, is a cationic polymeric biguanide antimicrobial. CAS 32289-58-0 identifies the commercially common poly(hexamethylenebiguanide) hydrochloride form, which is generally represented as (C8H17N5)n.xHCl rather than a single fixed molecule.

Is PHMB the same as polyhexanide?

Yes, PHMB and polyhexanide are common names for the same polymeric biguanide active family. Different registry numbers may appear because of salt form, polymer-length convention, or regional naming, but the product title uses CAS 32289-58-0 for the hydrochloride polymer.

What is the typical commercial form of PHMB?

PHMB is often supplied as a colorless to pale yellow aqueous solution with about 20% active content, although solid grades are also available. Commercial solution specifications commonly include active content, pH, density, and water miscibility, and should be confirmed for the selected grade.

How does PHMB control microorganisms?

PHMB is a broad-spectrum cationic antimicrobial that disrupts microbial cell membranes. It is effective at low concentrations against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae, and is used in systems where a non-chlorine biocide is preferred.

Where is PHMB used and how should it be stored?

It is used in industrial and recreational water treatment, hygiene and preservation formulations, surface sanitation, and textile antimicrobial finishing. Store the liquid in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight and strong oxidizing agents, and dilute according to the target application and local regulations.

Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB) CAS 32289-58-0

Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB) is supplied as a polymeric antimicrobial active ingredient designed for use in industrial and formulation-based systems requiring microbial control. It is commonly applied in water treatment programs, hygiene-related formulations, and material preservation systems where control of bacteria and algae is required. Benzalkonium Chloride is a related cationic antimicrobial active to compare where quaternary ammonium chemistry is specified instead of a polymeric biguanide system.

In commercial supply, PHMB is typically provided as an aqueous solution with defined active content suitable for direct formulation use. It is delivered in standard industrial packaging for liquid handling, with supporting documentation such as COA, TDS, and SDS available to support procurement and regulatory evaluation.

CAS: 32289-58-0
Synonyms: Polyhexanide; Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride; PHMB
Grade: Industrial / formulation grade (depending on application)
Package: Supplied in standard liquid chemical packaging; format aligned with order volume and transport requirements

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Product Description

1 Physicochemical Properties

2 Typical Applications

3 Packaging

4 Storage

Physicochemical Properties

Item	Typical Description
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid
Odor	Mild characteristic odor
Solubility	Fully miscible with water
pH	Typically slightly acidic to neutral (depends on formulation)
Density	Slightly higher than water (solution form)
Active Content	Supplied as aqueous solution with defined PHMB content
Stability	Stable under normal storage conditions; avoid strong oxidizing agents

Typical Applications

Water treatment systems for microbial control (industrial and recreational water)
Preservative component in industrial and hygiene formulations
Surface and equipment sanitation formulations
Textile and material antimicrobial finishing processes

For related antimicrobial active pages, review Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Benzalkonium Chloride, and Chloroxylenol PCMX.

Packaging

PHMB is supplied as a liquid product in sealed drums, IBC containers, or bulk delivery systems suitable for industrial use. Packaging materials are selected for compatibility with aqueous biocidal formulations and designed to maintain product stability during storage and transport.

Container formats can be aligned with order volume and handling requirements, with attention to clean filling, secure sealing, and export-ready preparation.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Containers should be kept tightly closed to prevent contamination and maintain product stability.

Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents. Maintain original packaging integrity during storage and transport.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Polyhexamethylene Biguanide CAS 32289-58-0?

A: Polyhexamethylene biguanide, commonly called PHMB or polyhexanide, is a cationic polymeric biguanide antimicrobial. CAS 32289-58-0 identifies the commercially common poly(hexamethylenebiguanide) hydrochloride form, which is generally represented as (C8H17N5)n.xHCl rather than a single fixed molecule.
Q:
Is PHMB the same as polyhexanide?

A: Yes, PHMB and polyhexanide are common names for the same polymeric biguanide active family. Different registry numbers may appear because of salt form, polymer-length convention, or regional naming, but the product title uses CAS 32289-58-0 for the hydrochloride polymer.
Q:
What is the typical commercial form of PHMB?

A: PHMB is often supplied as a colorless to pale yellow aqueous solution with about 20% active content, although solid grades are also available. Commercial solution specifications commonly include active content, pH, density, and water miscibility, and should be confirmed for the selected grade.
Q:
How does PHMB control microorganisms?

A: PHMB is a broad-spectrum cationic antimicrobial that disrupts microbial cell membranes. It is effective at low concentrations against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae, and is used in systems where a non-chlorine biocide is preferred.
Q:
Where is PHMB used and how should it be stored?

A: It is used in industrial and recreational water treatment, hygiene and preservation formulations, surface sanitation, and textile antimicrobial finishing. Store the liquid in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight and strong oxidizing agents, and dilute according to the target application and local regulations.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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