4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid — CAS 99-96-7
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid — CAS 99-96-7
4-Hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA, CAS 99-96-7) is a naturally occurring phenolic acid and a widely used chemical intermediate across pharmaceutical, preservative, polymer, and specialty chemical synthesis sectors. UAB An Group Export supplies it in pharmaceutical and technical grades, matched to each customer's synthesis and application requirements.
It is used primarily as a raw material in the synthesis of paraben preservatives, liquid crystal polymer monomers, pharmaceutical active ingredients, and dye intermediates. Its combination of a phenolic hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid functional group gives it high synthetic versatility — both groups can be selectively functionalized through esterification, etherification, reduction, and condensation reactions to produce a wide range of commercially important downstream products.
For qualified industrial buyers, supply is coordinated around grade, purity, volume, packaging, and delivery destination, in line with applicable product and handling regulations. Bulk and commercial orders are both handled — send your requirements and we'll prepare a quote covering supply, packaging, logistics, and delivery.
Key Applications
Paraben Preservative SynthesisThe direct raw material for the paraben family of preservatives — methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are produced by esterification of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with the corresponding alcohols. Parabens are widely used antimicrobial preservatives in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care formulations. Buyers should be aware of evolving regulatory restrictions on longer-chain parabens in cosmetic applications — see regulatory context below.
Pharmaceutical Intermediate SynthesisUsed as a building block in the synthesis of pharmaceutical active ingredients and intermediates requiring a para-hydroxybenzoic acid scaffold, including select antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Liquid Crystal Polymer ManufacturingA core monomer in the production of liquid crystal polymers (LCP) and polyarylate resins — high-performance thermoplastic materials used in electrical and electronic components, automotive, and aerospace applications requiring exceptional thermal stability and dimensional precision.
Dye & Pigment ManufacturingUsed as an intermediate in the synthesis of select azo dyes and specialty colorants requiring a hydroxybenzoic acid scaffold.
Specialty Chemical SynthesisUsed across a range of organic synthesis applications requiring a bifunctional para-hydroxybenzoic acid starting material for selective esterification, etherification, and condensation reactions.
Regulatory Context — Paraben Downstream Applications
Buyers purchasing 4-hydroxybenzoic acid for paraben synthesis should be aware of the current regulatory status of paraben preservatives in cosmetic applications. Under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, and pentylparaben are prohibited in cosmetic products. Propylparaben and butylparaben are restricted to maximum concentrations of 0.14% individually and 0.8% as a sum of all parabens in finished products. Methylparaben and ethylparaben remain permitted within defined concentration limits. Regulatory positions on parabens continue to evolve in multiple jurisdictions — buyers formulating paraben-based preservative systems are responsible for verifying current regulatory status in their specific markets and product categories before formulating. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid itself as a raw material is not subject to these restrictions — the restrictions apply to the finished paraben esters in cosmetic end products.
Supply & Packaging
Supplied according to your required grade (pharmaceutical or technical), purity, quantity, packaging, and destination. 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid is a white crystalline solid at room temperature with a melting point of approximately 213–217°C. Depending on the order, options include bags, fiber drums, or bulk shipment. Bulk quantities are available on request.
Packaging, transport, and handling are arranged according to the product grade and applicable pharmaceutical or industrial handling requirements. Standard chemical handling PPE including gloves and eye protection is required during handling operations.
Product Documentation
Available on request, depending on the specific product and supply arrangement:
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Certificate of Analysis (CoA), including purity, melting point, and color specification
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Pharmacopeia compliance documentation where applicable
Product specifications
Shipping and transport documentation
Compliance statement:
"All orders are subject to business registration verification prior to shipment. UAB An Group Export reserves the right to request additional documentation or decline an order where end use, destination, or buyer information cannot be adequately confirmed."
Request a Quote
Whether you need 4-hydroxybenzoic acid for paraben synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediate production, liquid crystal polymer manufacturing, dye synthesis, or another qualified industrial purpose, provide your requirements and our team will review the available supply options.
For a quotation, please provide: required grade and purity → quantity → packaging → application and downstream product → delivery country/city or port → required delivery timeframe