Chemical Name: Methylparaben, Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Other names: Benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-, methyl ester; Benzoic acid, p-hydroxy-, methyl ester; p-Carbomethoxyphenol; p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester; p-Methoxycarbonylphenol; Abiol; Maseptol; Methaben; Methyl chemosept; Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Methyl Butex; Methyl Parasept; Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate; Methylben; Metoxyde; Moldex; Nipagin; Nipagin M; Paridol; Preserval; Preserval M; Septos; Solbrol; Solbrol M; Tegosept M; 4-(Methoxycarbonyl)phenol; 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester; Aseptoform; Metaben; Methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid; Methylester kyseliny p-hydroxybenzoove; Methyl parahydroxybenzoate; p-Oxybenzoesauremethylester; Lexgard M; NSC 3827; Paraben M; Metagin; Solparol; Preserval MS

Formula: C8H8O3

CAS NO.:99-76-3

Molecular weight: 152.1473

Molecular Structure:

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Methyl paraben is a methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is a stable, non-volatile compound used as an antimicrobial preservative in foods, drugs and cosmetics. 

 

Methylparaben has antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that protect a number of different consumer products against microbial growth. Despite recent controversy concerning its safety, Methylparaben continues to be used as a preservative, today.

 

Cosmetics

Methylparaben is widely used as a preservative in various cosmetic products. It is typically found in combination with other parabens, such as propylparaben and butylparaben to provide a broad spectrum preservative effect. Cosmetics that contain methylparaben include makeup, hair care products, moisturizers and lotions, shaving products and toothpastes.

 

Pharmaceuticals

The preservative effects of methylparaben also protect pharmaceutical products from contamination by microorganisms. Topical antibiotics, preparations of corticosteroids, ophthalmic medications, herbal preparations, parenteral solutions and other pharmaceutical products use methylparaben. Even certain antibiotics, such as aqueous penicillin, are protected from fungal contamination with methylparaben.

 

Foods

Because methylparaben is an effective inhibitor of molds, yeasts and other microorganisms that commonly grow on food products, it is frequently used as a food preservative. Methylparaben may be found in baked goods, creams and pastes, jams and jellies, syrups, processed vegetables, oils, seasonings, dairy products, and beverages. Methylparaben is frequently used to inhibit the growth of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can cause the often fatal illness of botulism.

 

Sepcifications:

Methyl Paraben / Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Appearance	White or off-white powder
Appearance of solution in ethanol	Clear
Hazen Color(10% as is in Ethanol) ≤	50
Acidity (ml0,1M NaOH/5g) ≤	0.1
Melting point ℃	125.0 - 128.0
Assay %	99.0-100.5
Moisture   % ≤	0.5
Related Substances Total % ≤	1.0
Sulphated Ash %≤	0.1
Residual solvents: Methanol (ppm) ≤	1000
Total viable count (cfu/g)≤	10
Heavy metal(Pb) ppm≤	10
Phenol content (ppm) ≤	10
Particle size	max.10% >300μm