2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol

The alternative name for 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol is BHT. Its molecular formula is C₁₅H₂₄O. From the molecular structure, 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol belongs to a typical hindered phenolic structure. The phenolic hydroxyl groups on both sides are protected by tert-butyl groups. This special structure makes the hydroxyl groups highly stable in activity, which can efficiently capture oxidation free radicals in the system and terminate the oxidation chain reaction, while not easily undergoing self-oxidation failure. It is one of the most widely used and versatile main antioxidants in the current industry. At room temperature, 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol appears as a white crystalline powder. The high-purity grade has a pure white color, uniform crystals, good powder porosity, and excellent dispersibility. It has almost no smell, only residual a very slight phenolic faint smell. BHT is a typical oil-soluble antioxidant. Its solubility characteristics are compatible with most oils and organic systems. It is completely insoluble in aqueous systems such as water, glycerol, and propylene glycol; it is easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and ether.

BHT can quickly capture the oxidative free radicals within the system, interrupt the oxidative chain reaction, and prevent problems such as oil rancidity, loss of active ingredients, and material aging and deterioration from the source. Unlike ordinary antioxidants, it can make the antioxidant activity more stable and the action period longer, effectively delaying the rate of product deterioration, discoloration, and the generation of odors, and significantly extending the shelf life and service life of various end products.

BHT has excellent thermal stability and can withstand most industrial high-temperature processing conditions. It does not produce harmful substances during processes such as rubber and plastic extrusion, oil blending, and high-temperature emulsification production. It can prevent the material from yellowing, brittleness, and performance degradation during high-temperature production, and also ensures the stability of the finished product in long-term high-temperature and light exposure environments, solving many common problems such as the failure of additives at high temperatures and poor compatibility.

The product formula has an extremely wide range of inclusiveness and can be stably combined with the vast majority of oily systems, polymer materials, and additive systems. It can also be used in conjunction with BHA, gallic acid propyl ester, light stabilizers, auxiliary antioxidants, etc., to form a composite antioxidant system, achieving a protective effect of 1+1 > 2, and meeting the research and production requirements of various complex formulations.

BHT, as a universally compliant food-grade antioxidant, is widely used in products such as edible oils for animals and plants, nuts and dried fruits, and baked goods. It can significantly extend the shelf life of food.

In the fields of personal care and cosmetics, BHT is commonly used in essential oils, skin care creams, lotions, makeup products, and oily hair care formulas to enhance the storage stability and usage period of cosmetics, and it is non-irritating, suitable for all kinds of mild formulations.

In the industrial field, BHT is the core anti-aging agent and heat stabilizer for plastic, rubber and resin products, and it is suitable for various high-molecular materials such as polyethylene, natural rubber and synthetic rubber.