Methylparaben

Methylparaben
IUPAC name	Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Other names	Methyl paraben; Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Methyl parahydroxybenzoate; Nipagin; E number E218
Identifiers
CAS number	99-76-3 Y
PubChem	7456
SMILES	COC(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)O
Properties
Molecular formula	C8H8O3
Molar mass	152.15 g/mol
Related compounds
Related Parabens	Ethylparaben Propylparaben Butylparaben
Related compounds	Methyl salicylate (orto isomer)
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Methylparaben, also methyl paraben, one of the parabens, has formula CH₃(C₆H₄(OH)COO). It is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Uses

This article's factual accuracy is disputed. Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page. (October 2009)

Methylparaben is an anti-fungal agent often used in hair gels. The compound is often found in carpules of local anaesthetic, acting as a bacteriostatic agent and preservative.

Methylparaben (also called Nipigin M, Tegosept, and Mycocten) is commonly used as in Drosophila food media. Usage of methylparaben is known to slow Drosophila growth rate in the larval and pupal stages.

Safety

Methylparaben is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or through the skin.^[1] It is hydrolyzed to p-hydroxybenzoic acid and rapidly excreted without accumulation in the body.^[1] Acute toxicity studies have shown that methylparaben is practically non-toxic by both oral and parenteral administration.^[1] In a population with normal skin, methylparaben is practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing; however, allergic reactions to ingested parabens have been reported.^[1] Methylparaben can be found in many of the leading skin/face products.

However, some concerns involving products containing parabens (including Methylparaben) are discussed in the toxicology section of the paraben article. This includes a section on allergic reactions, breast cancer, estrogenic activity, as well as paraben controversy.

References

External links

• Methylparaben at Hazardous Substances Data Bank
• Methylparaben at Household Products Database