Product name : Octyl Dimethy PABA(Padimate O)

IUPAC Name : 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate

Other names : 2-ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA;Escalol 507;Sundown ;2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate; oxtyldimethyl PABA; or OD-PABA.

CAS # : 21245-02-3

Items                               Properties

Appearance                   Clear to slightly yellow liquid
Content                           99.0%min
Molecular formula        C₁₇H₂₇NO₂
Molar mass                   277.402 g/mol
Density                           0.99 g/cm³
Melting point                 <25 °C
Boiling point                 362 °C
Moisture                        0.1%max
Acidity                             0.05%max

Characteristics and Application :

Padimate O is an organic compound that is an ingredient in some sunscreens. It is a derivative of PABA, an ester formed by the condensation of 2-ethylhexanol and dimethylaminobenzoic acid. It is a yellowish oily liquid that is insoluble in water. It absorbs ultraviolet rays, thereby preventing direct DNA damage by UV-B. Unfortunately the excited padimate O molecule reacts bimolecularly with DNA and produces indirect DNA damages, that are similar to those done by ionizing radiation. Therefore padimate O is presumably photocarcinogenic.

This compound does not dissipate energy as fast as melanin, and therefore it is unsuitable as a sunscreen ingredient.

The photobiological properties of padimate O resemble that of Michler's ketone. The compound has been shown to increase the lethal effects of UV-radiation.Michler's ketone is known to be photocarcinogenic in rats and mice, therefore padimate O is implicated in the sunscreen controversy.

Uses :

Padimate O (Octyl Dimethy PABA | PABA Ester) has reported used in the following product types: lipstick; other products with spf; lip balm; sunscreen spf 15 and above; sunscreen: lip balm; skin fading/lightener; sunscreen below spf 15; conditioner; styling gel/lotion; moisturizer.