Methylparaben in Methanol

Methyl Paraben, isolated from the barks of Tsuga dumosa the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, is a standardized chemical allergen. Methyl Paraben is a stable, non-volatile compound used as an antimicrobial preservative in foods, drugs and cosmetics. The physiologic effect of Methyl Paraben is by means of increased histamine release, and cell-mediated immunity[1].
Methylparaben occurs as colorless crystals or a white crystalline powder. It is odorless or almost odorless and has a slight burning taste. Soluble in alcohol,ether; slightly soluble in water, benzene, and carbontetrachloride.
ChEBI: Methylparaben is a 4-hydroxybenzoate ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol. It is the most frequently used antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics. It occurs naturally in several fruits, particularly in blueberries. It has a role as a plant metabolite, an antimicrobial food preservative, a neuroprotective agent and an antifungal agent.
The carcinogenic potential of methyl paraben has been studied in rodents. Several studies are available, but none that expose animals via oral or dermal routes. No evidence of a carcinogenic effect was observed following intravenous or subcutaneous injection .
Fractionally crystallise the ester from its melt, and recrystallise it from *benzene, then from *benzene/MeOH and dry it over CaCl2 in a vacuum desiccator. [Beilstein 10 IV 360.]