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| Names | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate | |||
Other names
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| Identifiers | |||
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3D model (JSmol) | |||
| ChEBI | |||
| ChEMBL | |||
| ChemSpider |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.002.532 | ||
| E number | E218(preservatives) | ||
| KEGG |
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| UNII | |||
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| Properties | |||
| C8H8O3 | |||
| Molar mass | 152.149 g·mol−1 | ||
| Appearance | Colorless crystals or white crystalline powder[1] | ||
| UV-vis (λmax) | 255 nm (methanol) | ||
| −88.7·10−6 cm3/mol | |||
| Hazards | |||
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |||
| Related compounds | |||
RelatedParabens | Ethylparaben Propylparaben Butylparaben | ||
Related compounds | Methyl salicylate (ortho isomer) | ||
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |||
Methylparaben (methyl paraben) one of theparabens, is a preservative with the chemical formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is themethylester ofp-hydroxybenzoic acid.
Methylparaben serves as apheromone for a variety of insects[2] and is a component ofqueen mandibular pheromone.
It is a pheromone in wolves produced[clarification needed] duringestrus associated with the behavior of alpha male wolves preventing other males from mounting females in heat.[3][4]
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 theE number E218.
Methylparaben is commonly used as afungicide inDrosophila food media at 0.1%.[5] ToDrosophila, methylparaben istoxic at higher concentrations, has anestrogenic effect (mimicking estrogen in rats and having anti-androgenic activity), and slows the growth rate in the larval and pupal stages at 0.2%.[6]
There is controversy about whether methylparaben or propylparabens are harmful at concentrations typically used in body care or cosmetics. Methylparaben andpropylparaben are consideredgenerally recognized as safe (GRAS) by theUSFDA for food and cosmetic antibacterial preservation.[7] Methylparaben is readily metabolized by common soil bacteria, making it completely biodegradable.
Methylparaben is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or through the skin.[8] It ishydrolyzed top-hydroxybenzoic acid and rapidly excreted in urine without accumulating in the body.[8] Acute toxicity studies have shown that methylparaben is practically non-toxic by both oral andparenteral administration in animals.[8] In a population with normal skin, methylparaben is practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing; however, allergic reactions to ingested parabens have been reported.[8] A 2008 study found no competitive binding for human estrogen and androgen receptors for methylparaben, but varying levels of competitive binding were seen with butyl- and isobutyl-paraben.[9]
Studies indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin may react withUVB, leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.[10][11]
