| Formula |
CAS |
| C6H6Br2N2 |
35691-65-7 |
Background1,2-Dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane is used primarily
for its activity as a preservative. The primary source of exposure is Euxyl
K-400 in which it is combined with phenoxyethanol in a 1:4 ration. Euxyl K400
is effective at low concentration against both bacteria and fungi. This mixture
was introduced in Europe in the mid-1980s and in the United States in 1990 for
the preservation of cosmetic and personal care products. The CTFA adopted name
is methyldibromoglutaronitrile (MDGN) + phenoxyethanol, and it is sold under
the trade name Euxyl K-400. It is one of the largest selling cosmetic preservatives
in Germany. The manufacturer (Schulke & Mayr, Hamburg, Germany) recommends
a use concentration between 0.05% and 0.02% depending on the product to be preserved.
It should be noted that Euxyl K 100 is an isothiazolinone chemically unrelated
to Euxyl K400. 1,2-Dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane had also been available as a biocide
in latex paints, plastic dispersion paints, adhesives and metalworking fluids
under the trade name Tektamer 38.
Within the EU Dibromodicyanobutane is only
allowed in rinse-off cosmetics, e.g. in shower-gels, bath -gels, washing emulsions,
shampoos.
Synonyms1,2-Dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane
Dibromodicyanobutane
methyldibromoglutaronitril 2-Bromo-2-(bromomethyl)pentanedinitrile
2-Bromo-2-(bromomethyl)-glutaronitrile
Euxyl K-400 (methyldibromoglutaronitril
+ phenoxyethanol)
Tektamer 38
UsesActive ingredient
in Euxyl 400 and Tektamer 38 (Methyldibromoglutaronitrile)
Adhesives
Cosmetics
Creams
Dispersed pigments and detergents
Joint cements
Latex emulsions
Metalworking fluids
Paints (latex)
Shampoos
Sunscreens
Toilet tissue
Cross-ReactionsUnusual Reactions
Back to list of contact allergens
Referenties
| 1. |
Bruze M, Gruvberger B, Agrup G. Sensitization
studies in the guinea pig with the active ingredients of Euxyl K
400. Contact Dermatitis 1988;18(1):37-39. |
| 2. |
Corazza M, Mantovani L, Roveggio C, Virgili
A. Frequency of sensitization to Euxyl K 400 in 889 cases. Contact
Dermatitis 1993;28(5):298-299. |
| 3. |
de Groot AC, Bruynzeel DP, Coenraads PJ,
Crijns MB, van Ginkel CJ, van Joost T, van der Kley JJ, Meinardi
MM, Smeenk G, Weyland JW. Frequency of allergic reactions to methyldibromoglutaronitrile
(1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane) in The Netherlands. Contact Dermatitis
1991;25(4):270-271. |
| 4. |
Gebhart M, Stuhlert A, Knopf B. Allergic
contact dermatitis due to Euxyl K 400 in an ultrasonic gel. Contact
Dermatitis 1993;29(5):272. |
| 5. |
Hausen BM. The sensitizing potency of Euxyl
K 400 and its components 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane and 2-phenoxyethanol.
Contact Dermatitis 1993;28(3):149-153. |
| 6. |
Moss JN. Sensitization potential of Euxyl
K 400. Contact Dermatitis 1988;19(5):392-394. |
| 7. |
O'Donnell BF, Foulds IS. Contact dermatitis
due to dibromodicyanobutane in cucumber eye gel. Contact Dermatitis
1993;29(2):99-100. |
| 8. |
Pigatto PD, Bigardi A, Legori A, Altomare
GF, Carminati G. Allergic contact dermatitis from Tektamer 38 (dibromocyanobutane).
Contact Dermatitis 1991;25(2):138-139. |
| 9. |
Torres V, Soares AP. Contact allergy to dibromodicyanobutane
in a cosmetic cream. Contact Dermatitis 1992;27(2):114-115. |
| 10. |
Tosti A, Guerra L, Bardazzi F, Gasparri F.
Euxyl K 400: a new sensitizer in cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis 1991;25(2):89-93. |
Auteur(s):dr. Jan R. Mekkes. Dermatoloog, Amsterdam
UMC.
codes: L23.9