Methylparaben

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This article is about this particular compound. For the class of hydroxybenzoate esters, including discussion on possible health effects, see paraben.
Methylparaben
IUPAC name Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Other names Methyl paraben;
Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate;
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
Nipagin;
E number E218
Identifiers
CAS number [99-76-3]
PubChem 7456
SMILES COC(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)O
Properties
Molecular formula C8H8O3
Molar mass 152.15 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Methylparaben, also methyl paraben, one of the parabens, has formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Contents

[edit] Uses

Methylparaben is an antifungal that is widely used as a preservative for food, drugs, and cosmetics. The compound is often found in carpules of local anaesthetic, acting as a bacteriostatic agent and preservative.

Methylparaben (also called Nipigin, Tegosept, and Mycocten) is commonly used as an anti-fungal agent in Drosophila food media. Usage of methylparaben is known to slow Drosophila growth rate in the larval and pupal stages.

[edit] Safety

Methylparaben is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or through the skin.[1] It is hydrolyzed to p-hydroxybenzoic acid and rapidly excreted without accumulation in the body.[1] Acute toxicity studies have shown that methylparaben is practically non-toxic by both oral and parenteral administration.[1] In a population with normal skin, methyl paraben is practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing; however allergic reactions to ingested parabens have been reported.[1]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Soni MG, Taylor SL, Greenberg NA, Burdock GA (October 2002). "Evaluation of the health aspects of methyl paraben: a review of the published literature". Food Chem. Toxicol. 40 (10): 1335–73. PMID 12387298. 

[edit] External links