butylated hydroxytoluene

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic lipophilic organic compound derived from phenol. It acts as a potent antioxidant by inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules and preventing the formation of free radicals. BHT is widely used as a preservative in food products to prevent oxidative rancidity of fats and oils and to maintain the stability of oil-soluble vitamins. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics it serves as an excipient to stabilize formulations containing oils or fats. Industrially it is also used in plastics and petroleum products for its antioxidative properties. Medically BHT has been studied for potential antiviral effects (e.g., against genital herpes simplex virus), anti-inflammatory actions via inhibition of protein kinase C pathways in platelets, and possible chemopreventive activity against certain carcinogens; however high doses have been associated with toxicity including liver damage and tumor promotion in animal models[3][5][7]. Its use as a direct therapeutic agent remains limited.

Brand names

Ionol

Other names

2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolbutylhydroxytoluene2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoldibutylhydroxytoluene3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytolueneditertiary butyl paracresol2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresolp-cresol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol