Para Aminobenzoic Acid, commonly known as PABA, is an important nutrient found in various foods and dietary supplements. Its spelling is pronounced as /ˈpærə əˌmɪnoʊbɛnˈzoʊɪk ˈæsɪd/. The word "para" refers to the position of the amino group on the benzene ring, while "aminobenzoic" refers to the presence of an amino group and a benzoic acid functional group. The chemical name consists of 13 letters, with six syllables in total, making it a relatively long and complex word.
Para Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) is an organic compound characterized as a white, crystalline solid with a chemical formula of C7H7NO2. It is classified as an aminobenzoic acid derivative and is composed of a benzene ring substituted with an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) at the para position to each other. PABA is primarily obtained through the hydrolysis of folic acid or through synthetic means.
PABA is widely utilized in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives. In the pharmaceutical field, it is recognized for its role as a precursor for the synthesis of folate, which plays a fundamental role in the formation of red blood cells, amino acids, and DNA. It is commonly included in sunscreens due to its ultraviolet (UV) absorption properties, effectively shielding the skin from harmful UV radiation. Additionally, PABA is known for its antioxidant properties, contributing to the prevention of cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Within the natural world, PABA is a component of certain types of Vitamin B complex, serving as a contributor to the overall health and proper functioning of the body. Although it was once deemed an essential nutrient for humans, it has been discovered that the body can create PABA when folic acid is present in sufficient amounts, thus rendering it non-essential. Despite this, PABA continues to be utilized in various industries for its multiple beneficial properties and applications.