bronopol

Bronopol is a synthetic organic compound with the chemical name 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol. It was first synthesized in 1897 and developed as an antimicrobial preservative by The Boots Company in the early 1960s. Bronopol exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is used primarily as a biocide and preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, household products, and various industrial applications such as water treatment systems and papermills[1][4][6]. Its mechanism of action involves catalyzing the oxidation of thiol groups (such as cysteine) within bacterial cells under aerobic conditions. This process generates reactive oxygen species like superoxide and peroxide that exert bactericidal effects by inhibiting enzyme function and suppressing cellular respiration[1][5][8]. Bronopol is particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas species but has limited antifungal activity[6]. Due to concerns about nitrosamine formation under certain conditions (alkaline pH or elevated temperatures), its use in personal care products has declined since the late 1980s[4].

Other names

2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol