tert-butylhydroquinone
Description
Tert-butylhydroquinone (CAS 1948-33-0), commercially known as TBHQ, is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant used across food, industrial, and personal care markets. It prevents oxidative degradation in fats, oils, and polymers, extending shelf life and product stability.
Approved as a food additive in numerous regulatory frameworks, it is one of the most effective lipid-stabilizing agents available at low use levels. In food manufacturing, it is applied to edible oils, fried snack foods, and animal fats to delay rancidity.
Cosmetic and personal care formulators incorporate it into creams, lip products, and oil-based formulations to protect unsaturated ingredients from degradation during storage. This ensures that products maintain their intended texture and scent over time.
In plastics and polymer processing, it functions as a polymerization inhibitor and stabilizer, preventing premature crosslinking in resins and elastomers. This is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of industrial materials during manufacturing.
Lubricant and metalworking fluid producers use it to control oxidation in petroleum-based products, reducing deposit formation over service life. This application helps extend the operational efficiency of heavy machinery and automotive components.
TBHQ is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder. Food-grade material is available meeting FCC and EU regulatory specifications, including purity requirements aligned with E 319 standards in applicable markets.
Technical-grade material is also available for industrial polymer and lubricant applications. Our supply chain ensures consistent quality and compliance with global safety standards for all grades of this essential antioxidant stabilizer.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 126.5-128.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 295 °C |
| Density | 295 |
| Flash Point | 171 °C |
| Appearance | tan powder |
| Color | White to light tan, may contain black specs |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble in water(10g/L). |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.004Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | 1.4859 (estimate) |
| Log P | 1.521 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29072900 |
| UN Number | 3077 |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
tertiary-Butylhydroquinone|tert-Butyl-1,4-benzenediol|t-Butylhydroquinone|MTBHQ|Mono-tertiarybutylhydroquinone|Mono-tert-butylhydroquinone|2-Tertiary-butylhydroquinone|2-tert-butylbenzene-1,4-diol|TBHQ
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