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== Controversy ==
== 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]]. Cadbury Adams continues to use it in Chiclets gum.
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]]. Cadbury Adams continues to use it in Chiclets and some types of Trident gum.


== See also==
== See also==

Revision as of 18:05, 15 April 2007

Butylated hydroxytoluene
Butylated hydroxytoluene
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
NFPA 704
safety square
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroformFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability (yellow): no hazard codeSpecial hazards (white): no code
2
1
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

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.

Controversy

Concerns have been raised about the use of BHT in food products. The compound has been banned for use in food inJapan (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. Cadbury Adams continues to use it in Chiclets and some types of Trident gum.

See also

Template:ChemicalSources