BHT, EXTENDING PRODUCTS LIFE

The phenolic antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, more commonly known as butylated hydroxytoluene or BHT, was patented in 1947 and approved as a food additive and preservative in 1954.   Oxiris Chemicals has been a producer of BHT for more than 50 years. Since then, the Oxiris team has focused on improving the industrial process, enhancing quality, adjusting… Seguir leyendo BHT, EXTENDING PRODUCTS LIFE

The phenolic antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, more commonly known as butylated hydroxytoluene or BHT, was patented in 1947 and approved as a food additive and preservative in 1954.
 

Oxiris Chemicals has been a producer of BHT for more than 50 years. Since then, the Oxiris team has focused on improving the industrial process, enhancing quality, adjusting the chemical plant to new legal and environmental requirements, and adapting the presentation of the product to the needs of our customers.
 
BHT is a sterically hindered phenolic antioxidant which prevents rancidity of fat-containing products by terminating chain reactions involving free radicals responsible for the oxidative degradation of fats. Oxidation produces undesirable flavor, odor, destroys fat-soluble vitamins and the essential fatty acids, may generate toxic products and contributes with the degradation of substances.
 
But BHT also protects other kind of oxidation-sensitive substances, such as:
 
-Ethers such as THF or furan, which can produce peroxides, potentially explosive molecules if they are in contact with oxygen under certain mechanical or thermal conditions.
 
-Some fragrance components such as aldehydes or phenols, which after oxidation undergo structural, viscosity, odour and colour changes, and may even undergo auto-oxidative decomposition.
 
-Polymers, which need to be protected against oxidation during different moments: pre-stabilization, stabilization during processing and long-term stabilization. Oxidation causes discoloration, loss of gloss, cracking and embrittlement of many polymers.
 
For all of the above, BHT plays an important role in different sectors, acting as a stabilizer for fats, oil-based lipsticks and other cosmetic products, food, feed, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, industrial lubricants and rubber.
 
To learn more about our BHT-based products, please read more about OUR PRODUCTS.