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HC Technology
Propylparaben
Categories:
Pharmaceutical Excipients

Propylparaben

Alias
Propylparaben / Propyl parahydroxybenzoate / Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate / Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate / 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester / Nipasol
CAS No.
Molecular Formula
C10H12O3
Structure
Propylparaben Chemical Structure
Product Details

Product Overview

Product Summary

Propylparaben, also known as propyl p-hydroxybenzoate and Nipasol, is the ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and n-propanol, with molecular formula C10H12O3, molecular weight 180.20 and CAS number 94-13-3. It is a white or off-white crystalline powder at room temperature, melting at 96-99°C, with an assay (on dried basis) of 98.0-102.0% and a clear and colorless solution (see specifications). Published literature reports that paraben antimicrobial activity increases with alkyl chain length (order methyl < ethyl < propyl < butyl); it is often combined with methylparaben at different ratios to balance water solubility and antimicrobial efficacy, making it one of the common paraben choices for oral liquid and topical preparations. These are factory control items; this product is not registered as a pharmaceutical excipient - suitability for pharmaceutical use is assessed by the buyer under applicable drug regulations.

Usage

A raw material for antimicrobial preservatives in pharmaceutical formulations. Published literature reports that paraben activity increases with carbon chain length (order methyl < ethyl < propyl < butyl). Downstream applications include oral liquid preparations, topical ointments, creams, gels and suppositories. Often combined with methylparaben at different ratios (an example, not a prescription recommendation) to balance water solubility and antimicrobial efficacy. Also used for preservation in syrups and other liquid formulations.
Applications

Applications by Industry

Combined Preservative Systems

Propylparaben is often combined with methylparaben at different ratios; the ratio methylparaben:propylparaben = 4:1 is an example of balancing water solubility and antimicrobial efficacy. It is not a universal formula - actual ratios are set and verified by each formulation owner. Planned blend partners and ratios can be provided at inquiry for specification checking.

Semi-solid Preparations and Suppositories

In topical ointments, creams, gels and suppositories, propylparaben serves as an antimicrobial preservative; base materials and processes differ across dosage forms, and suitability is verified in each formulation. Typical review points are assay (98.0-102.0%), melting point (96-99°C) and heavy metals (≤20 ppm) against the specifications on this page.
Specifications

Technical Specifications

Product Specifications
Appearance White or off-white crystals or crystalline powder
Content (on dried basis) 98.0%–102.0%
Melting point 96–99°C
Acidity Compliant (0.1 mol/L NaOH consumption ≤0.1 mL)
Solution clarity and color Clear and colorless
Chloride (Cl) ≤0.035%
Sulfate (as SO₄) ≤0.024%
Related substances Individual impurity ≤0.4%, total impurities ≤0.8%
Loss on drying ≤0.5% (silica gel desiccator, vacuum dried to constant weight)
Residue on ignition ≤0.1%
Heavy metals ≤20 ppm
Arsenic ≤0.0002%
Logistics

Packaging, Storage & Transport

Packaging

25 kg fiber drum with double polyethylene liner; custom packaging available upon request. Sample arrangements and order quantities can be discussed during inquiry.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place

Transport

Transport classification follows the goods transport appraisal report and the carrier's requirements; protect from moisture, sunlight and physical damage; keep packaging intact

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 4:1 methyl-to-propyl blend mean?
This is an example ratio (methylparaben:propylparaben = 4:1), illustrating how the two are commonly paired to balance water solubility and antimicrobial efficacy. It is not a universal formula; actual ratios should be verified by the formulation owner in the real system.
Where does it rank in antimicrobial activity within the paraben series?
According to published literature, paraben activity increases with chain length (order methyl < ethyl < propyl < butyl), and propylparaben inhibits molds and yeasts more strongly than methyl- and ethylparaben. Selection weighs antimicrobial-spectrum needs against solubility, verified in the actual formulation.
What are the assay and key specifications?
Assay (on dried basis) 98.0-102.0%, melting point 96-99°C, acidity compliant, a clear and colorless solution, heavy metals ≤20 ppm and arsenic ≤0.0002%; related substances controlled at individual ≤0.4% and total ≤0.8% (see specifications).
What packaging and order quantities are available?
Standard packaging is a 25 kg fiber drum with a double polyethylene liner, and custom packaging is available. Sample arrangements and order quantities can be discussed during inquiry; regular batches are produced against the order schedule.
How do I avoid confusion with the isopropyl ester?
This product is propyl parahydroxybenzoate (Nipasol, CAS 94-13-3), the n-propyl ester; isopropyl parahydroxybenzoate is a different substance. Since the n- prefix is often omitted in procurement documents, quoting the CAS number in inquiries is the reliable check.
What are the storage and transport requirements?
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; transport classification follows the transport identification report and carrier requirements; protect from moisture, sunlight and physical damage. Special packaging or repacking forms can be discussed during inquiry.