Methylparaben

Methylparaben, also methyl paraben, one of the parabens, has formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is a mold-inhibitor and a popular preservative for food and cosmetics. The compound is often found in carpules of local anaesthetic, acting as a bacteriostatic agent and preservative.