Skip to content

Butylated Hydroxyanisole

    Synonyms:  BHA; tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol; butylhydroxyanisolum; 1,1- dimethylethyl-4-methoxyphenol; E320; Nipanox BHA; Nipantiox 1-F; Tenox BHA.

    Description:  Butylated hydroxyanisole occurs as a white or almost white crystalline powder or a yellowish-white waxy solid with a faint, characteristic aromatic odor.

    Chemical Name: 2-tert-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol

    Antioxidant

    • Butylated hydroxyanisole is an antioxidant with some antimicrobial properties.

    • It is used in a wide range of cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals. When used in foods, it is used to delay or prevent oxidative rancidity of fats and oils and to prevent loss of activity of oil-soluble vitamins.

    • Butylated hydroxyanisole is frequently used in combination with other antioxidants, particularly butylated hydroxytoluene and alkyl gallates, and with sequestrants or synergists such as citric acid.

    • FDA regulations direct that the total content of antioxidant in vegetable oils and direct food additives shall not exceed 0.02% w/w (200 ppm) of fat or oil content or essential (volatile) oil content of food.

    • USDA regulations require that the total content of antioxidant shall not exceed 0.01% w/w (100 ppm) of any one antioxidant or 0.02% w/w combined total of any antioxidant combination in animal fats.

    • Japanese regulations allow up to 1 g/kg in animal fats.

    Butylated hydroxyanisole is phenolic and undergoes reactions characteristic of phenols. It is incompatible with oxidizing agents and ferric salts. Trace quantities of metals and exposure to light cause discoloration and loss of activity.

    Butylated hydroxyanisole is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is metabolized and excreted in the urine with less than 1% unchanged within 24 hours of ingestion. Although there have been some isolated reports of adverse skin reactions to butylated hydroxyanisole, it is generally regarded as nonirritant and nonsensitizing at the levels employed as an antioxidant

    Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Butylated hydroxyanisole may be irritant to the eyes and skin and on inhalation. It should be handled in a well-ventilated environment; gloves and eye protection are recommended. On combustion, toxic fumes may be given off.

    Butylated hydroxytoluene.