Ethylparaben
Description
Ethylparaben (CAS 120-47-8), also known as E214 and ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, is a synthetic preservative used across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing. It inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in finished formulations.
This chemical is essential for extending shelf life and maintaining product integrity. In cosmetics and personal care, it protects creams, lotions, and shampoos from microbial contamination during consumer use.
It is often used in combination with other parabens to broaden the preservation spectrum. Food and beverage manufacturers apply it as a permitted preservative, particularly in baked goods, condiments, and flavored products.
Pharmaceutical formulators incorporate it into oral suspensions, topical preparations, and multi-dose injectable vehicles. In these applications, microbial control is a strict regulatory requirement for safety and efficacy.
It also functions as a UV stabilizer in certain formulations, protecting active ingredients from photodegradation during storage. This dual functionality makes it a versatile choice for complex chemical formulations.
The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder in technical, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade specifications. Recognized grades include FCC, USP, BP, and Ph.Eur. for compliance-driven procurement.
These standards support global distribution across highly regulated industries. Packaging is available in standard drum and bag formats, with bulk quantities accessible for industrial-scale production needs.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 116 °C |
| Boiling Point | 297-298 °C |
| Density | 1.291 g/cm³ @ Press: 750 Torr |
| Flash Point | 297-298°C |
| Appearance | white crystalline powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | at 100.00?%. mild phenolic |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble in water. |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.00012 hPa (25 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.5286 (estimate) |
| pH | 4.5-5.5 (H2O, 20°C) (saturated solution) |
| Log P | 2.470 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29182930 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate|E214|ETHYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE|Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate|Tegosept E|Mycocten|Ethyl parasept|4-Hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester
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