Butylated hydroxytoluene
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| Butylated hydroxytoluene | |
|---|---|
 |
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| General | |
| Systematic name | 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol |
| Other names | 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (DBPC) butylated hydroxytoluene BHT |
| Molecular formula | C15H24O |
| SMILES | CC(C)(C)c1c(O)c(C(C)(C)C)cc(C)c1 |
| Molar mass | 220.35 g/mol |
| Appearance | white powder |
| CAS number | [128-37-0] [58500-82-6] |
| Properties | |
| Density and phase | 1.048 g/cm³, solid |
| Solubility in water | insol. |
| Melting point | 70-73 °C |
| Boiling point | 265 °C (538.15 K) |
| Acidity (pKa) | ? |
| Basicity (pKb) | ? |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| Main hazards | Suspected carcinogen |
| NFPA 704 |
1
2
0
|
| Flash point | 127 °C |
| R/S statement | R: 22-36 37 38 S: 26-36 |
| RTECS number | GO7875000 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | butylated hydroxyanisole |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a fat-soluble organic compound primarily used as an antioxidant food additive (E number E321). It is also used as an antioxidant in cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, and embalming fluid.
BHT is produced by the reaction of p-cresol with isobutylene. It was patented in 1947 and received approval of the Food and Drug Administration for use as a food additive and preservative in 1954. BHT reacts with free radicals, slowing the rate of autoxidation in food, preventing changes in the food's color, odor, and taste.
In the chemical industry it is added to tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether in order to inhibit the formation of dangerous organic peroxides.
[edit] Controversy
Concerns have been raised about the use of BHT in food products. The compound has been banned for use in food in Japan (1958), Romania, Sweden, and Australia. The US has barred it from being used in infant foods. However, some food industries have voluntarily eliminated it from their products, including McDonald's as of 1986.
[edit] See also
- Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
