Product name: Oxybenzone

CAS: 131-57-7

Molecular formula: C14H12O3

Molecular weight:228.24

Description:Oxybenzone (trade names Eusolex 4360, Escalol 567, KAHSCREEN BZ-3) is an organic compound used in sunscreens. It forms colorless crystals that are readily soluble in most organic solvents.

It is used as an ingredient in sunscreen and other cosmetics because it absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA (ultraviolet) rays. Oxybenzone was one of the first compounds incorporated into sunscreen formulations to offer enhanced UVA protection because its absorption spectrum extends to less than 350 nm. Oxybenzone's ability to absorb UV rays is due to a variety of molecular interactions. In this compound, both of the phenyl rings can interact with the C=O group through inductive effects and mesomeric effects. The overlapping of the π bonds of both phenyl rings and that of the C=O creates a completely conjugated molecule as evidenced by the MO diagram. This causes the C=O group to lose part of its individual character as it integrates with the two phenyl rings. This stabilizes the system due to the transference of electron deficiency from the carbon of the carbonyl towards three of the carbons of the phenyl rings.