Propyl paraben
| Formula | C10H12O3 |
| Chemical formula | C10H12O3 |
| Density | 1.063g/cm3 |
| Molar mass | 180.20 g/mol |
| Bulk density | ~ 350 kg/m3 |
| CAS number | 94-13-3 |
| HS Code | 29182930 |
| EC number | 202-307-7 |
| Storage | storage 15 to 25 °C |
| SDS | available |
| RTECS | DH2800000 |
| Odour | almost odourless |
| Form | solid |
| Color | white |
| Explosion limit | 16 g/m3 |
| Solubility in water | ~ 0.4 g/l (20°C) |
| Solubility in ethanol | freely soluble |
| Flash point | 180 °C |
| Melting point | 95 – 98 °C |
| Vapour pressure | 0.67 hpa (122 °C) |
| Assay | 98.0 – 102.0 | % | |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Color of solution | Conforms | ||
| Melting range | 69.0 – 99.0 | °C | |
| Acidity | ≤ | 0.1 | ml |
| Residue on ignation | ≤ | 0.1 | % |
| Related substances | Conforms | ||
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
Propyl paraben is the propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, belonging to the class of parabens, which are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products due to their antimicrobial properties.
🏭⚗️ Production
Propyl paraben is synthesized by esterification of p-hydroxybenzoic acid with propanol in the presence of an acid catalyst. This chemical reaction produces the propyl ester compound used commercially as a preservative.
🔬 Properties
Propyl paraben appears as a white or off-white crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in alcohols and oils. It has effective antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, which is the basis for its preservative function. It is stable under normal conditions but can hydrolyze under strong acidic or basic environments.
🧪 Applications
• Widely used as a preservative in cosmetics such as lotions, shampoos, and deodorants to prevent microbial growth.
• Used in pharmaceutical formulations to enhance shelf-life by inhibiting bacterial and fungal contamination.
• Employed in some food products as a preservative, though usage is regulated in many countries.
• Also used in personal care products like toothpaste and mouthwash.
