Appearance: It typically presents as a white crystalline powder or colorless small crystals. It is almost odorless, with a slightly astringent taste.
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
Melting Point: The melting point of propyl 4 - hydroxybenzoate ranges from 96.0 to 99.0 °C. This characteristic melting point is useful in quality control and identification processes.
Relative Density: Its relative density is approximately 1.134 g/cm³, which is an important parameter in formulation design, especially when considering the physical properties of the final product.
Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water. At 25 °C, its solubility in water is only 463 mg/L. However, it shows good solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and acetone. This solubility profile determines its application scenarios, as it can be easily incorporated into formulations containing these solvents.
3. Production Raw Materials and Process
Raw Materials: The main raw materials for producing propyl 4 - hydroxybenzoate are 4 - hydroxybenzoic acid and propanol. In addition, substances like sulfuric acid are commonly used as catalysts.
Process: Generally, it is prepared through an esterification reaction between 4 - hydroxybenzoic acid and propanol in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst. The reaction formula is as follows:
C7H6O3+C3H7OHconcentrated H2SO4⟶ΔC10H12O3+H2O
After the reaction, a series of separation and purification processes are carried out. This includes neutralization to remove the acidic catalyst, followed by washing to remove impurities, and then drying. Further purification steps such as recrystallization from ethanol may be employed to obtain a high - purity product.
4. Product Advantages
High - Efficiency Antiseptic: Propyl 4 - hydroxybenzoate is highly effective in inhibiting the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, molds, and yeasts. Its antibacterial mechanism mainly involves disrupting the structure and function of the microbial cell membrane, leading to increased membrane permeability and leakage of intracellular substances. It also denatures intracellular proteins and inhibits key enzyme systems related to microbial respiration and electron transport, thus effectively extending the shelf life of products.
Good Stability: Under normal storage and use conditions, it has excellent chemical stability. It does not easily decompose and can maintain its antiseptic properties over an extended period. It is relatively insensitive to temperature fluctuations within a certain range and is also stable under different pH conditions, which is beneficial for its application in various products.
5. Application Areas
Food Industry: As a preservative, it is widely used in a variety of food products. For example, in beverages, it can prevent the growth of spoilage - causing microorganisms, maintaining the flavor and quality of the beverage. In sauces and baked goods, it inhibits the growth of molds and bacteria, effectively extending the shelf life of these foods. However, its usage amount must comply with relevant food safety standards. Different food categories have specific regulations on the maximum allowable dosage. For instance, in some countries, the maximum usage in certain food products may be limited to a few hundred parts per million (ppm).
Cosmetics Industry: It is often added to various cosmetics such as skin - care products (creams, lotions), toiletries (shampoos, body washes), and makeup products (lipsticks, foundations). The typical concentration used in cosmetics is usually in the range of 0.1% - 0.3%. In these products, it helps to maintain the quality of the cosmetics, preventing them from spoiling, discoloring, or developing an unpleasant odor due to microbial contamination.
Pharmaceutical Industry: It is used in pharmaceutical formulations to prevent microbial contamination of drug preparations. In liquid medications such as oral suspensions and syrups, as well as semi - solid preparations like ointments, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the sterility and stability of the products. The dosage in pharmaceutical products varies according to the specific formulation and product requirements, and manufacturers must follow strict guidelines.
6. Storage and Packaging
Storage Conditions: It should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably at a temperature below 15 °C. Humid air and oxidizing agents should be avoided. By storing it under these conditions, the stability of the product can be effectively guaranteed, and its quality can be maintained over time.
Packaging Forms: Commonly, it is packaged in cardboard drums lined with polyethylene plastic bags, with a net weight of 25 kg per drum. This packaging provides good protection against moisture and mechanical damage during transportation and storage. For laboratory use or small - scale applications, there are also small - sized packages available, such as bottles or cans containing 500 g or 1 kg of the product.