Magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate (MMPP)

Chemical structure
Magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate (MMPP) is an organic, cyclical peroxide, which belongs to the class of the oxygen derivatives. According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) the chemical name is magnesium bis(2-hydroperoxycarbonyl-benzoate). As organic peroxide, MMPP is synthesized by the reaction of phthalic acid anhydride with hydrogen peroxide and subsequent neutralization.

Chemical structure of MMPP:

Characteristics
MMPP as pure substance is a white crystalline powder or granulate, disintegrates at 96 °C, and is water soluble up to an amount of 180 g/l (20 °C). Due to its structure, MMPP is a cyclical, organic peracid, which, in neutralized form, is available as magnesium salt. As a result of its compatibility with sensitive plastics, such as plexiglass or natural and synthetic rubber, and in combination with its comprehensive spectrum of effect, MMPP is used for the disinfection of chemical or mechanical unstable inventory, e.g. of incubators.

Effect mechanisms
The MMPP’s microbiological effective principle is the active – nascent i.e. evolving – oxygen, which irreversibly oxidizes vital enzymes of the microorganism cell. Thus, for example sulfur bonds in proteins, enzymes and other metabolites are oxidized, and the efficiency is destroyed. The oxidizing function results in protein denaturation and the denaturation of enzymes, RNA and DNA. Thanks to the strong oxidation power, the microorganism killing effect of peracids in general exceeds the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide.

MMPP possesses a broad spectrum of effect, also known from other oxygen active agents. Like all peroxidic agents, also MMPP demonstrates an efficacy loss with protein and in particular blood load, as the active oxygen also reacts with all organic loads.

Fields of application
Monophthalic acid – the active oxygen component in MMPP – is existent in a stable, storable form in the disinfection concentrate already. The storage life of the disinfection concentrates in grained form is at least 2 years. The use dilution already contains almost 100 % of the released peracid directly after dissolving.

MMPP is used in surface disinfectants, e.g. for sensitive plastics, if a comprehensive spectrum of effect is needed. By the means of gamma radiation, preparations as concentrate can be transferred to a sterile product for specific clean room applications.