Names | |
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Preferred IUPAC name
Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate | |
Other names
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Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.002.098 |
EC Number |
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E number | E216 (preservatives) |
KEGG | |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C10H12O3 | |
Molar mass | 180.203 g·mol−1 |
Density | 1.0630 g/cm3 |
Melting point | 96 to 99 °C (205 to 210 °F; 369 to 372 K) |
Hazards | |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Related compounds | |
Related compounds
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Paraben Butylparaben Ethylparaben Methylparaben Heptylparaben |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Propylparaben (also spelled propyl paraben) is the n-propyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It occurs as a natural substance found in many plants and some insects. Additionally, it can be manufactured synthetically for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods.[1] It is a member of the class of parabens and can be used as a preservative in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and bath products.[2] As a food additive, it has an E number, which is E216.
Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, the sodium salt of propylparaben, a compound with formula Na(C3H7(C6H4COO)O), is used similarly as a food additive and as an anti-fungal preservation agent. Its E number is E217.
In 2010, the European Union Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety stated that the use of butylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives in finished cosmetic products as safe to the consumer, as long as the sum of their concentrations does not exceed 0.19%.[3]