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Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

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Identification
Molecular formula
C15H24O
CAS number
128-37-0
IUPAC name
2-tert-butyl-4-[1-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)butyl]-5-methyl-phenol
State
State

At room temperature, BHT is in a solid-state. It usually manifests as a crystalline solid which is white in color.

Melting point (Celsius)
70.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
343.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
265.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
538.15
General information
Molecular weight
220.35g/mol
Molar mass
220.3520g/mol
Density
1.0480g/cm3
Appearence

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) typically appears as a white crystalline solid under room temperature conditions. Its crystalline nature makes it easy to identify visually against impurities or other solid substances.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-tert-butyl-4-[1-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)butyl]-5-methyl-phenol

The solubility of 2-tert-butyl-4-[1-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)butyl]-5-methyl-phenol can be characterized by several important factors:

  • Polarity: This compound contains both hydrophobic tert-butyl groups and a hydrophilic hydroxyl group. Therefore, its solubility is influenced by the balance between these groups.
  • Solvent Compatibility: It is likely to be soluble in organic solvents, such as ethanol and acetone, while having limited solubility in water due to its bulky hydrophobic structure.
  • Temperature Dependency: As with many organic compounds, solubility may increase with temperature, enhancing mixing and interaction at the molecular level.
  • Applications: Understanding its solubility is crucial when determining its behavior in formulations, particularly in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, where it may be used.

In summary, the compound's unique structure suggests a solubility profile more favorable in non-polar solvents, while it may present some challenges in aqueous environments. As one expert noted, "the solubility behavior of such complex organic compounds is as intricate as their molecular architecture." Thus, careful consideration and experimentation are essential in predicting solubility aspects accurately.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-tert-butyl-4-[1-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)butyl]-5-methyl-phenol

2-tert-butyl-4-[1-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)butyl]-5-methyl-phenol, often referred to in the scientific community as BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), is a fascinating compound known for its role as an antioxidant. Here are some key points that highlight its significance:

  • Antioxidant Properties: BHT is widely used in food preservation due to its ability to inhibit oxidative rancidity. This makes it invaluable in extending the shelf life of various products.
  • Applications in Industry: Beyond food, BHT is utilized in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even rubber production, showcasing its versatility across different fields.
  • Mechanism of Action: BHT works by donating a hydrogen atom to free radicals, thus neutralizing them and preventing cellular damage in both food products and biological systems.

Surprisingly, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the safety of BHT. Research has suggested the following:

  • While considered safe in small amounts, some studies have raised questions about its potential carcinogenic effects in high doses.
  • The FDA recognizes BHT as a safe food additive when used in regulated quantities.

As one science journal eloquently stated, “Understanding the duality of antioxidant benefits and potential risks is crucial for public health.” This highlights the importance of balancing the use of chemicals like BHT in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the study of BHT opens a wider dialogue about our interactions with food preservatives and their long-term impacts. As we continue to explore the intricacies of such compounds, we enhance our understanding of chemistry's role in health and safety.

Synonyms
85-60-9
Santowhite
Sumilizer BBM
4,4'-(Butane-1,1-diyl)bis(2-(tert-butyl)-5-methylphenol)
4,4'-Butylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol)
SANTOWHITE POWDER
Sumilit bbm
Noclizer NS 30
Annulex PBA 15
Anullex PBA 15
Yoshinox BB
Sumilizer BBM-S
SWP (antioxidant)
Antage W300
4,4'-Butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol)
6,6'-Di-tert-butyl-4,4'-butylidenedi-m-cresol
1,1-Bis(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)butane
NSC 67485
CCRIS 4916
HSDB 5250
4,4'-Butylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenyl)
BBBC cresol
SWP, antioxidant
EINECS 201-618-5
IM86P8WF2S
m-Cresol, 4,4'-butylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-
NSC-67485
4,4'-butane-1,1-diylbis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol)
2-tert-butyl-4-[1-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butyl]-5-methylphenol
BRN 2016567
4,4'-Butylidene bis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol)
NSC67485
Phenol, 4,4'-butylidenebis(2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-methyl-
BBM
SWP
DTXSID8029602
Phenol, 4,4'-butylidenebis[2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-methyl-
EC 201-618-5
4-06-00-06807 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
4,4'-Butylidenebis[6-tert-butyl-m-cresol]
4,4'-Butylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol)
4,4\'-Butylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol)
4,4'-butylidenebis(2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-methyl-phenol)
SWP (VAN)
m-Cresol, 4,4'-butylidenebis[6-tert-butyl-
4,4'-Butylidene bis[6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol]
MFCD00026289
UNII-IM86P8WF2S
Sumilizer BBMS
Vanox SWP
4,4'-butylidenebis(6-t-butyl-m-cresol)
NCIStruc1_001564
NCIStruc2_001580
SCHEMBL39107
DTXCID909602
CHEMBL1337629
BP_21
NCI67485
Tox21_200749
CCG-36974
NCGC00013772
4,4'Butylidenebis(6tertbutylmcresol)
AKOS015839538
6,6'Ditertbutyl4,4'butylidenedimcresol
CAS-85-60-9
WLN: 1X&&R BQ D E- 2Y3
NCGC00013772-02
NCGC00013772-03
NCGC00096882-01
NCGC00258303-01
AS-70133
m-Cresol,4'-butylidenebis[6-tert-butyl-
NCI60_026518
4,4'-Butylidenbis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol)
4,4'Butylidenebis(3methyl6tertbutylphenol)
4,4'-Butylidene-bis-(6-t-butyl-m-cresol)
4,4'Butylidene bis(6tertbutyl3methylphenol)
B0724
CS-0199477
NS00006126
1,1Bis(2methyl4hydroxy5tertbutylphenyl)butane
4,4'-butylidene-bis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol)
4,4/'-Butylidene bis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol)
F71227
4,4'-butylidene-bis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol)
4,4'-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tertiary-butylphenol)
4-4'-BUTYLIDENE-BIS(6-TERT-BUTYL-M-CRESOL)
BRD-K82744348-001-01-8
Phenol, 4,4'butylidenebis(2(1,1dimethylethyl)5methyl
Q27280791
1,1-Bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-butane
1,1-bis (5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl) butane
4,4'-(Butane-1,1-diyl)bis(2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol)
Phenol,4'-butylidenebis[2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-methyl-
4,4'-BUTYLIDENEBIS(3-METHYL-6-TERT-BUTYLPHENOL)[HSDB]
4,4'-BUTYLIDENEBIS(2-(1,1-DIMETHYLETHYL)-5-METHYLPHENOL)
4,4'-BUTYLIDENEBIS(3-METHYL-6-TERT-BUTYLPHENOL) [HSDB]
201-618-5