E216 - Propyl P-hydroxybenzoate
Author: Alexander Bruni
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
September 25, 2023
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
E 216 is a food additive used in the food industry as a preservative. Many manufacturers refer to it as propylparaben. It is a white powder. It has low toxicity, no sensitizing or irritating effects.
Characteristics of the preservative E 216 / Propylparaben
E 216 is a food additive used in the food industry as a preservative. Its chemical name is propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (propyl p-hydroxy benzoate), but it is more commonly referred to as paraoxybenzoic acid propyl ester, and many companies and manufacturers refer to it as propylparaben. The chemical formula of the additive is C10H12O3. The preservative is non-irritating, does not contain benzoic acid, has acidic properties (mainly). E 216 is a white powder, sometimes with a grayish tinge. Melts at temperatures above 97 degrees. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and propylene glycol. It is obtained from parahydrobenzoic acid and Syntrax wood resin. The additive is characterized by low toxicity, no sensitizing and irritating effect.
Propylparaben is found as a natural substance in nature in many plant species and insects. For industrial purposes, the additive E 216 is obtained synthetically by esterification of para-hydroxybenzoic acid and propanol (propyl alcohol).
Use of the additive propyl p-hydroxy benzoate (E216)
The additive has a strong antimicrobial activity and has the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and various fungi. Therefore, propylparaben is used as a preservative in various cosmetics for external use. Parahydroxybenzoic acid is found in almost all shampoos, lotions, creams, gels and more. This does not mean that the preservative E 216 is safe for use in the food industry, where it can be used in the production of cakes, chocolates, pate, soups and others. Propylparaben is often used in food in a mixture with another preservative - methylparaben (additive E 218). Of course, there are exceptions, although its use in food is prohibited.
Impact on humans
E 216 affects the tone of the vessels and may be the cause of increased pressure. It is a strong allergen, can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. In particular, propyl p-hydroxy benzoate is able to cause breast cancer in women and lead to infertility in men. In view of all this, the preservative is banned for use in a number of countries, although authentic research has not yet been done.
- E217 Sodium propyl p-hydroxy benzoate
- E215 Sodium ethyl p-hydroxy benzoate
- E214 Ethyl p-hydroxy benzoate
- E464 Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose