Ethyl paraben
CAS 120-47-8
EC 204-399-4
Formula C9H10O3
MW 166.17 g/mol
Pharmaceutical Intermediates Personal Care & CosmeticsPharmaceuticals & HealthcareFood & Nutrition Preservation & BiocideAntioxidant & StabilizerUV Protection & StabilizationFlavoring & Acidulant
Description
Ethyl paraben (CAS 120-47-8) is a para-hydroxybenzoate ester preservative approved as food additive E214 and sold under trade names including Easeptol, Nipagin A, Bonomold OE, and Ethyl Butex. It is registered under EC 204-399-4 and classified within the paraben family of antimicrobial agents.
In cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, ethyl paraben inhibits microbial growth by disrupting cell membrane function in bacteria and fungi, typically at concentrations of 0.1–0.3%. In food and beverage applications, it extends shelf life by suppressing yeast and mould activity, and in topical preparations it additionally contributes UV-stabilising and antioxidant activity that protects sensitive active ingredients.
Ethyl paraben is supplied as a white crystalline powder meeting Ph.Eur., FCC, and USP specifications, with REACH compliance documented for EU market supply. It carries E214 status under EU food regulations and is available in standard fibre drum and multi-wall bag packaging formats.
In cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, ethyl paraben inhibits microbial growth by disrupting cell membrane function in bacteria and fungi, typically at concentrations of 0.1–0.3%. In food and beverage applications, it extends shelf life by suppressing yeast and mould activity, and in topical preparations it additionally contributes UV-stabilising and antioxidant activity that protects sensitive active ingredients.
Ethyl paraben is supplied as a white crystalline powder meeting Ph.Eur., FCC, and USP specifications, with REACH compliance documented for EU market supply. It carries E214 status under EU food regulations and is available in standard fibre drum and multi-wall bag packaging formats.
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)
Danger GHS07 GHS08
H
H304H315H317H319H401
P
P261P264P272P273P280P321P331P405P501P264+P265P301+P316P302+P352P332+P317P333+P317P337+P317P362+P364P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29182930 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoateE214ethylparabenEaseptolNipagin Aethyl butexBonomold OEAseptoform E
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Raw Materials
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