2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole

2-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (CAS 88-32-4) is one of the two isomers that together constitute commercial BHA; a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

Where is 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole used?

• Food: incorporated into edible fats, oils and fat-containing products to retard rancidity
• Cosmetics and personal care: stabilises lipid-based creams, lotions and lip products
• Plastics and polymers: processing stabiliser against thermal oxidation during compounding and extrusion
• Lubricants and metalworking fluids: added to mineral oil-based formulations to suppress oxidative breakdown
• It inhibits oxidative degradation in fats, oils and polymer systems, extending shelf life.

Good to know: Not to be confused with the other isomer that constitutes commercial BHA. Food-grade material meets FCC and BP/Ph. Eur. specifications; technical grade is for industrial polymer and lubricant uses where food-compliance is not required.