- parabens are alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
- the alkyl groups may be one of the following :
- parabens are colourless, tasteless, and odorless (except the methyl paraben).
- they are non-volatile and non hygroscopic.
- their solubility in water depend on the nature of the alkyl group.
- the longer the alkyl chain length, the lower the solubility.