4hydroxybenzoate

4hydroxybenzoate is the common name for the anion derived from 4hydroxybenzoic acid, also known as p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is an organic compound with the chemical formula C7H5O3-. This molecule is characterized by a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a carboxylate group (-COO-) attached at opposite positions (para position).

As an anion, 4hydroxybenzoate typically exists in salts with various cations. It is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of lignin and other plant compounds. In industry, 4hydroxybenzoic acid and its derivatives, such as esters known as parabens, have been widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products due to their antimicrobial properties. However, the use of parabens has been subject to scientific and public scrutiny, leading to ongoing research into their safety and the development of alternative preservatives. The 4hydroxybenzoate moiety itself is found in a variety of natural products and can be synthesized through chemical processes. Its chemical behavior is influenced by both the electron-donating hydroxyl group and the electron-withdrawing carboxylate group.