IUPAC Name
4-Hydroxybenzoic acid
Cas Number
99-96-7
HS Code
29163110
Formula
C7H6O3
Industry
-
Appearance
Colorless crystals or white crystal to fine powder
Common Names
p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, para-Hydroxybenzoic acid, PHBA, 4-hydroxybenzoate
Packaging
25 Kg Jerrycan
Brief Overview
PARA-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID (PHBA), also known as 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, is a phenolic derivative of benzoic acid. It is a solid that appears in a white crystal form. Its solubility in water is very small, however it is easily soluble in polar organic solvents such as alcohols and acetone. It is considered to be a precursor for other acids (mostly phenolic acids) in chemical reactions.
Manufacturing Process
Para-hydroxybenzoic acid is manufactured commercially from the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction of potassium phenoxide and carbon dioxide. Another way of its production is to heat potassium salicylate with potassium carbonate to 240 °C, and later treat the substance with acid.
Medical Applications:
In the medical industry, para-hydroxybenzoic acid is used in the production of aspirin. It is a precursor of salicylic acid which is the basic component of this medicine.
Pharmaceutical Applications:
In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries it is used to prepare preservatives (mostly parabens) for shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, pharmaceuticals, personal lubricants, spray tanning solutions, and toothpaste.
