Ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate, also called ethylparaben, is an ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Its formula is HO-C₆H₄-CO-O-CH₂CH₃. It is used as a preservative. As a food additive, it has E number E214. General formula of an ester of a carboxylic acid. ... A preservative is a natural or synthetic chemical that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, paints, biological samples, etc. ... Food additives are substances added to food to preserve it or improve its flavor and appearance. ... For the mathematical constant see: E (mathematical constant). ...