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Organic Acids

4-hydroxybenzoic acid

CAS: 99-96-7

Overview

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (CAS 99-96-7 ), also known as p-salicylic acid and abbreviated as 4-HBA, is the primary precursor in the synthesis of paraben preservatives used across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing.

It functions as an antimicrobial agent and antioxidant stabilizer in its own right, and as a key intermediate for producing methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl paraben esters for various industrial applications.

In cosmetics and personal care, 4-HBA is used directly as a preservative and UV stabilizer in creams, lotions, and sunscreen formulations. Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on it as a synthetic building block.

It is used for paraben-based excipients and as a preservative in topical and oral dosage forms. Food processors source it under FEMA 3986 for flavoring and preservation applications in packaged goods.

It also appears in industrial formulations where oxidative stability is required, such as adhesives and polymer systems. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid is supplied as a white crystalline powder for easy handling.

Standard grades include technical, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP , BP , and Ph. Eur. specifications. This ensures high purity and compliance for sensitive manufacturing processes.

Packaging is available in bulk bags and smaller quantities to suit both large-scale production and laboratory or pilot-scale sourcing requirements. We provide consistent quality for all global supply chains.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point214.5 °C
Boiling Point>400 °C
Density1.46 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C
Flash Point199 °C
AppearanceWhite to ivory crystalline powder
ColorWhite to ivory
Odorat 100.00 %. phenolic nutty
FormCrystalline Powder
Water Solubility5 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure0Pa at 20℃
Refractive Index1.4600 (estimate)
pH3.3 (1g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P0.878 at 22℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29182930
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

Paraben-acid | p-salicylic acid | p-Salicylate | P-Hydroxybenzoic Acid | p-Hydroxybenzoate | p-Carboxyphenol | 4-Hydroxy-benzoesaeure | 4-Hydroxy-benzoate | 4-HBA

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
99-96-7
EC Number
202-804-9
Mol. Weight
138.12
HS Code
29182930

Industries

Documentation