Padimate A

Chembox new
ImageFile=Padimate A.pngImageSize=
IUPACName=4-dimethylaminobenzoic acid isopentyl ester
OtherNames=isoamyl dimethyl PABA
Escalol 506
Section1= Chembox Identifiers
CASNo=21245-01-2
PubChem=88836
SMILES=CC(C)CCOC(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)N(C)C
Section2= Chembox Properties
Formula=C₁₄H₂₁NO₂
MolarMass=235.322
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Density=
MeltingPt=<25 °C
BoilingPt=
Solubility=
Section3= Chembox Hazards
MainHazards=
FlashPt=
Autoignition=

Padimate A is an organic compound that is an ingredient in some sunscreens. It is an ester derivative of PABA. This aromatic chemical absorbs ultraviolet rays thereby preventing sunburn. However, it's chemical structure and behaviour is similar to an industrial free radical generator. In Europe this chemical was withdrawn in 1989 for unstated reasons.cite journal |author=Knowland, John; McKenzie, Edward A.; McHugh, Peter J.; Cridland, Nigel A. |title= Sunlight-induced mutagenicity of a common sunscreen ingredient. | journal= FEBS Letters |volume= 324(3) |pages=309-313 |year=1993 ] In the US it was never approved for use in sunscreens.

Photobiology

The photobiological properties of padimate O and padimate A resemble that of Michler's ketone. These compounds have been shown to increase the lethal effects of UV-radiation on cells.cite journal |author=Knowland, John; McKenzie, Edward A.; McHugh, Peter J.; Cridland, Nigel A. |title= Sunlight-induced mutagenicity of a common sunscreen ingredient. | journal= FEBS Letters |volume= 324(3) |pages=309-313 |year=1993 ] This photochemistry is relevant to the sunscreen controversy.

See also

*Padimate O, a related suncreen ingredient

References