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Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) is a highly effective preservative widely used in cosmetics, personal care formulations, wood protection, and industrial products due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Belonging to the carbamate class of preservatives, IPBC is particularly known for its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties.
CAS Number: 55406-53-6
Synonyms:
IPBC,3-Iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate,Carbamic acid, butyl-, 3-iodo-2-propynyl ester, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (INCI name),Butylcarbamic acid, 3-iodo-2-propynyl ester
Its unique structural feature, the iodo-propynyl group, enhances its efficacy against molds and yeasts while providing formulation stability.
Since its introduction in the late 20th century, IPBC has become a common choice in formulations where microbial growth is a concern, balancing efficacy with low usage concentration.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Formula and Structure
Molecular formula: C8H12INO2
Molecular weight: 281.09 g/mol
Structural features:
A carbamate ester linkage (–NHCOO–)
A butyl chain providing hydrophobicity
A 3-iodo-2-propynyl substituent enhancing antimicrobial properties
Physical Properties
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Melting point: ~65–70 °C
Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling
Density: ~1.7 g/cm³
Solubility:
Low solubility in water (≈ 0.04 g/L at 20 °C)
Soluble in alcohols, glycols, and polar organic solvents
Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; may degrade under strong UV light or prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Chemical Reactivity
Stable in the pH range of 3–9, making it suitable for cosmetic formulations.
Sensitive to strong oxidizing agents.
The iodine substituent confers specific reactivity that contributes to antimicrobial effectiveness.
Production and Synthesis
Raw Materials
Butyl isocyanate
3-Iodo-2-propynyl alcohol
Organic solvents as reaction media
General Synthetic Route
The synthesis of IPBC involves esterification of carbamic acid derivatives with iodopropynyl alcohol:
Formation of carbamate precursor from butyl isocyanate.
Reaction with 3-iodo-2-propynyl alcohol, yielding iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.
Purification and crystallization to obtain high-purity IPBC suitable for industrial use.
Industrial Considerations
Conducted under controlled temperature to prevent decomposition.
Final product tested for purity (>98%) to meet cosmetic and industrial preservative standards.
Mechanism of Action
IPBC acts primarily as an antifungal and antibacterial agent by disrupting microbial cellular processes:
Cell wall interference: The iodo-propynyl group disrupts membrane integrity.
Enzyme inhibition: Carbamate moiety interferes with enzymatic activity critical for microbial metabolism.
Broad-spectrum activity: Particularly effective against molds (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium) and yeasts (e.g., Candida).
Applications
Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry
Widely used in:
Shampoos
Conditioners
Lotions and creams
Wet wipes
Sunscreens
Typical concentration: 0.01–0.1%
Industrial Applications
Paints and coatings: Prevents microbial spoilage.
Wood protection: Extends durability by preventing fungal attack.
Adhesives and sealants: Prevents microbial contamination.
Pharmaceutical Uses
Investigated as a preservative in topical formulations.
Regulatory Aspects
European Union (EU): Approved as a cosmetic preservative with concentration limits (max 0.01% in cosmetic products, except in oral products where not allowed).
US (FDA): Permitted for cosmetic use under similar restrictions.
Japan: Included in positive lists of approved preservatives.
Other regions: Accepted with specific concentration guidelines.
Benefits
Highly effective at very low concentrations.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy.
Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic formulations.
Low odor and color impact.
Stable in typical formulation pH ranges.
Limitations
Limited solubility in water.
Restricted maximum usage levels due to regulatory concerns.
Sensitive to extreme pH or high-temperature processing.
Not suitable for oral care products.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off conSAFETYtaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
