Description
Methylparaben, with the chemical formula C8H8O3, is a member of the paraben family of preservatives. It is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and is widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in various products.
Chemical properties
| Parameter | Specification |
| Assay (Purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | 125 – 128°C |
| pH (1% solution) | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Identification (IR/UV) | Conforms |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.1% |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and ether; slightly soluble in water |
Uses
Cosmetics and Personal Care: It is one of the most common preservatives in cosmetics, helping to extend the shelf life of products by preventing microbial contamination. It can be found in makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, deodorants, and shaving creams.
Food Industry: Methylparaben is used as a food preservative and has the European food additive number E218. It is added to various foods to prevent spoilage, such as processed fish, dried meats, and certain confectionery products.
Pharmaceuticals: It is used as a preservative in both oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations to ensure product stability and safety
Grades of Methyl Paraben
1. Pharmaceutical Grade (USP / BP / EP / IP)
Standards: United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)
Purity: ≥ 99.0%
Uses:Preservative in tablets, syrups, injections, creams, ointments
2. Food Grade (FCC)Standards: Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) Purity: High purity, food-safe
Uses:Preservative in beverages, sauces, bakery products, confectionery
3. Cosmetic Grade Standards: Cosmetic regulatory authorities (FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation)
Purity: High but slightly less stringent than pharmaceutical grade
Uses:Preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos, gels, makeup
4. Analytical Reagent (AR) / Laboratory Grade Standards: Laboratory chemical specifications
Purity: Very high (often ≥ 99.5%)
Uses:Chemical analysis, research, calibration, testing
5. Technical Grade Purity: Lower than pharma and food grades
Uses: Industrial applications, intermediate in chemical synthesis
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