Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate(CAS: 99-76-3)

Basic Information

Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, also called methyl neper gold, white crystalline powder or colorless

crystals, soluble in alcohol, ether and acetone, slightly soluble in water, the boiling point of 270-270 ℃.

Mainly used for organic synthesis, food, cosmetics, medicine sterilization preservatives, also used

in feed preservatives.Because it has the structure of phenolic hydroxyl group, bacterial resistance is

stronger than benzoic acid and sorbic acid. Its mechanism of action is: destroy the microbial cell

membrane, intracellular protein denaturation, and can inhibit microbial cells of respiratory enzyme

system and electron transfer the activity of enzymes.

Synthetic method

From p-hydroxy benzoic acid and methanol esterification. Will join the excess p-hydroxy benzoic acid

dissolved in methanol, sulfuric acid mix slowly.Heating reflux after 10 h precipitation crystallization,

pour into the water after washing, sodium carbonate solution washing, washing, crude products.Water

or 25% ethanol recrystallization and finished products.The yield of 85%.

Methylparaben, also methyl paraben, one of the parabens, is a preservative with the chemical formula 

CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Natural occurrences

Methylparaben is found in several fruits, in particular blueberries, where it acts as an antimicrobial agent.

Uses

Methylparaben is an anti-fungal agent often used in a variety of cosmetics and personal-care products. 

It is also used as a food preservative and has the E number E218.

Methylparaben is commonly used as a fungicide in Drosophila food media. To Drosophila, methylparaben

 is toxic at higher concentrations, has an estrogenic effect, and slows the growth rate in the larval and 

pupal stages at lower concentrations.

Safety term 

1.Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

2.After contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

3.Wear appropriate protective clothing.

Risk term

Stimulate an eye, respiratory system and skin.