What are the uses of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol?

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) is a common phenolic antioxidant with the function of preventing oxidation and delaying oxidative deterioration.

It is widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industry and other fields. Its main uses are as follows:   1. Food Industry   As a food additive (number E321), it is used to prevent oxidative rancidity in oils and oily foods (such as fried foods, baked goods, meat products, nuts, instant noodles, etc.), and prolong the shelf life. It is often added to vegetable oils, butter, potato chips, biscuits, etc. It can also be used in combination with vitamin C, vitamin E, etc., to enhance the antioxidant effect.   2. Cosmetics and Skin Care Products   It is added to creams, lotions, lipsticks, hairsprays and other products to prevent the oxidation and deterioration of oil components and extend the shelf life of products. It also stabilizes easily oxidizable ingredients such as vitamins and plant extracts.   3. Pharmaceutical Industry   As an antioxidant excipient in pharmaceuticals (such as tablets, capsules, injections), it prevents the oxidative degradation of drug components and ensures the stability of drug efficacy. It is used to protect the quality of oily drugs such as cod liver oil and vitamin oil agents.   4. Industrial and Material Fields   As an antioxidant, it is added to polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and synthetic rubber to inhibit the oxidative degradation of polymers and improve heat resistance and service life. It is used in petroleum products such as gasoline, lubricating oil, and paraffin to prevent oxidation, reduce gum deposition, and maintain product performance. It delays the oxidation of resins and solvents in coatings and inks, and improves product stability and color retention.   5. Other Uses   It is used in livestock feed and aquaculture feed to prevent oil oxidation and maintain nutritional components. In the production of electronic components, it is used as an antioxidant to protect sensitive materials.   Precautions   BHT has high safety, but excessive intake may have potential health impacts (such as long-term high intake may interfere with human endocrine). Therefore, its use must comply with food additive standards in various countries (such as China GB 2760, EU EC No 1334/2008, etc.). When used in industrial fields, pay attention to protection to avoid direct skin contact or inhalation of dust.

The infrared spectrum of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol