Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), CAS 128-37-0, is a raw material used as antioxidant in food, cosmetics applications. Supplied by ISF CHEM.

Lipophilic antioxidant with the structure 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, used to prevent free-radical oxidation.

The antioxidant activity of BHT can be transferred to bakery products if it is used as an antioxidant in fats used in bakery production. BHT acts synergistically with BHA. The mixture of these antioxidants is generally used to stabilize solid and liquid fats. Using a given weight of the mixture provides greater stability to solid and liquid fats than using BHT and BHA separately in the same weight.

BHT is an excellent antioxidant, particularly for stabilizing meat, fish and bone-containing foods. BHT, either alone or in combination with BHA, is used to stabilize shortening and solid fats, fish and fish liver oils, vitamins and essential oils.

BHT is easily soluble in food-grade solvents and at the usage levels of solid and liquid fats. When antioxidants are applied to food products, the antioxidant must be thoroughly dispersed and dissolved in the solid and liquid fat portions. Since only small amounts of antioxidants are needed to preserve foods, the method of addition determines the success of stabilization.

Some of the methods requested for applying BHT include: the direct antioxidant concentrate method, the proportional method, the spray method, etc.

FDA and USDA permit maximum usage levels of 0.02% and 0.01% by weight, respectively, in solid and liquid fats.

It is used in products such as bakery goods, potato chips, liquid oils and chewing gum. It is an antioxidant that delays the development of rancidity in the fat contained in the product. It is also used at 0.1-0.8% in deodorants, perfumes and cosmetic sticks to prevent the oxidation of fats.

Antioxidant formulations offer a combination of the best properties of each antioxidant. The BHT and/or BHA content of the formulations provides antioxidant potential and results. The synergism between BHT and BHA, and between BHA and TBHQ, and between BHA and propyl gallate, enables an antioxidant potential greater than what can be expected from the contribution of each independent antioxidant.

In addition, regulations for some uses, such as animal fats, allow a higher concentration of the antioxidant combination than any single independent antioxidant.

BHT can be used effectively in plastics and the rubber industry. It is also an effective antioxidant for lubricating oils, specialty oils, synthetic lubricants, motor gasoline, aviation turbine fuels, transformer oils, feed and snack foods, industrial oils, fatty acids, paraffin waxes and similar products.

Molten BHT should be stored in stainless steel tanks at 80-85 °C. BHT powder and vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat or skin. In such cases, thorough rinsing of the eyes and skin is sufficient.