A synthetic chemical that replaces the phenolic compounds used in sunscreens. Poisonng has been reported when the chemical is absorbed into the skin.
Homosalate is an organic compound used in some sunscreens. It is made by the Fischer–Speier esterification of salicylic acid and 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol, the latter being a hydrogenated derivative of isophorone. Contained in 45% of U.S. sunscreens, it is used as a chemical UV filter. The salicylic acid portion of the molecule absorbs ultraviolet rays with a wavelength from 295 nm to 315 nm, protecting the skin from sun damage. The hydrophobic trimethyl cyclohexyl group provides greasiness that prevents it from dissolving in water.
Names | |
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IUPAC name
3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
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Other names
Homosalate
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Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.874 |
KEGG | |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C16H22O3 | |
Molar mass | 262.349 g·mol−1 |
Density | 1.05 g/cm3 (20 °C) |
Melting point | < -20 °C |
Boiling point | 181–185 °C (358–365 °F; 454–458 K) |
0.4 mg/L | |
Hazards | |
Flash point | 171 °C (340 °F; 444 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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