Showing chemical card for p-Aminobenzoic acid (CFc000001077)
Record Information
Version
1.0
Creation Date
2022-08-28 10:25:12 UTC
Update Date
2022-09-13 18:45:38 UTC
Chemfont ID
CFc000001077
Molecule Identification
Common Name
p-Aminobenzoic acid
Definition
p-Aminobenzoic acid, also known as 4-aminobenzoic acid or PABA, is an organic compound with molecular formula C7H7NO2. PABA is a white crystalline substance that is only slightly soluble in water. It consists of a benzene ring substituted with an amino group and a carboxylic acid. PABA is an essential nutrient for some bacteria and is sometimes called vitamin Bx. However, PABA is not essential for humans and it varies in its activity from other B vitamins. PABA is sometimes marketed as an essential nutrient under the premise that it can stimulate intestinal bacteria. Certain bacteria in the human intestinal tract such as E. coli generate PABA from chorismate. Humans lack the enzymes to convert PABA into folate, and therefore require folate from dietary sources such as green leafy vegetables. Although some intestinal bacteria can synthesize folate from PABA and some E. coli can synthesize folate this requires six enzymatic activities in folate synthesis which are not all done in the same bacteria. PABA used to be a common sunscreen agent until it was found to also be a sensitizer. The potassium salt of PABA is used therapeutically in fibrotic skin disorders. PABA can also be found in Acetobacter (DOI: 10.3181/00379727-52-14147).
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as aminobenzoic acids. These are benzoic acids containing an amine group attached to the benzene moiety.
