Methylparaben
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Methylparaben | |
|---|---|
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| 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 | |
| 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 |
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Methylparaben, also methyl paraben, one of the parabens, has formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
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[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
- ^ 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
- Methylparaben at Hazardous Substances Data Bank
- Methylparaben at Household Products Database
