Butylated hydroxytoluene

Butylated hydroxytoluene (CAS 128-37-0), commonly known as BHT or by the trade name Ionol, is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used across food, industrial, and personal care markets to prevent oxidative degradation. Also approved as E321 and listed under FEMA 2184.

Where is Butylated hydroxytoluene used?

• Food manufacturing: incorporated into edible oils, snack foods, and packaging materials to extend shelf life by inhibiting lipid oxidation
• Lubricant and fuel: stabilizes mineral oils, hydraulic fluids, and transformer oils against thermal and oxidative breakdown
• Rubber and plastics: added during compounding to protect polymers from heat and UV degradation
• Personal care: preservative antioxidant in creams, lotions, and lip products where oil-phase stability is critical
• It protects fats, oils, polymers, and finished formulations from rancidity and deterioration during storage and processing.

Good to know: Food and pharmaceutical grades require certificate of analysis documentation aligned to relevant pharmacopoeial standards for safety and compliance.

Commercial specifications

• Bulk supply in fiber drums and multi-wall bags