To control the para-Hydroxybenzoic Acid during the synthesis of Sodium Methyl Paraben Preservative

Sodium Methyl Paraben (SMP) is the sodium salt of Methyl Paraben. Para-Hydroxybenzoic acid is most common Degradation impurity of Sodium Methyl Paraben. There are several mechanisms involves the formation of Para-Hydroxybenzoic Acid (PHBA) as an impurity during Sodium Methyl Paraben (SMP) synthesis. Mainly Parent paraben readily undergo base-catalyzed hydrolysis of the ester bond, forming PHBA. Solvent may affect the formation of PHBA, mainly the role of Methanol.