Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₁₅H₂₄O

CAS number

128-37-0

IUPAC name

2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol

State

Butylated Hydroxytoluene is a solid at room temperature. It is typically found in a stable, crystalline form.

Melting point (Celsius)

70.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

343.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

265.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

538.15

General information

Molecular weight

220.35g/mol

Molar mass

220.3510g/mol

Density

1.0480g/cm³

Appearence

Butylated Hydroxytoluene, or BHT, appears as a white to yellowish crystalline solid. It is typically supplied in powder or flake form. BHT is known for its antioxidative properties and is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industrial applications to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol

2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol, commonly referred to as a derivative phenol compound, demonstrates intriguing solubility characteristics that can be attributed to its unique structural features. Understanding its solubility behavior is crucial for its applications in various chemical processes.

Key Points About Solubility:

Solvent Dependency: The solubility of 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol is significantly influenced by the type of solvent used. It tends to show greater solubility in non-polar solvents compared to polar ones.
Hydrophobic Nature: Its bulky tert-butyl group contributes to its hydrophobic nature, making it less soluble in water.
This means that it does not readily dissolve in aqueous solutions.
Organic Solvents: It exhibits good solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and benzene. This property is advantageous for its use in organic synthesis and formulations.
Temperature Effects: Like many organic compounds, increasing temperature can enhance the solubility of 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol in appropriate solvents.

In conclusion, while 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol is hydrophobic and exhibits limited solubility in water, it finds compatibility with various organic solvents, making it a versatile compound in the realm of chemical sciences.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol

2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol, commonly known as BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), is a fascinating organic compound that belongs to the class of phenolic antioxidants. It is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties and versatility.

Applications

BHT is primarily recognized for its role in:

Food Preservation: It is used as a food additive to prevent oxidation and spoilage in fats and oils, thereby extending shelf life.
Cosmetics: BHT is incorporated in various cosmetic formulations to protect the products from degrading due to exposure to air.
Industrial Uses: It finds applications in the production of rubber and plastics, helping to stabilize these materials.

Antioxidant Properties

One of the most intriguing features of BHT is its antioxidant capability, which allows it to neutralize free radicals. It acts primarily through:

Scavenging free radicals that can cause oxidative damage.
Preventing the formation of peroxides, which can lead to rancidity in edible products.

Safety and Controversy

The use of BHT has not been without controversy. While considered safe at regulated levels by many health organizations, some studies suggest potential health concerns when consumed in large quantities, leading to debates about its long-term effects. It raises the question:

Is the safety net of synthetic antioxidants like BHT worth the potential risks?

Conclusion

Overall, 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol is a valuable compound in both food and cosmetic industries. Its antioxidant properties make it indispensable in preventing oxidation that could lead to product degradation. However, the ongoing research into its safety highlights the necessity for a balanced approach when using such compounds in consumer products.

Synonyms

2-tert-Butyl-4-methylphenol

2409-55-4

2-tert-Butyl-p-cresol

4-Methyl-2-tert-butylphenol

o-tert-Butyl-p-cresol

p-Cresol, 2-tert-butyl-

2-t-Butyl-p-cresol

4-Methyl-6-t-butylphenol

2-Terc.butyl-p-kresol

2-T-BUTYL-4-METHYLPHENOL

4-Methyl-2-t-butylphenol

Phenol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-

2-tert-Butyl-4-methyl-1-phenol

1-Hydroxy-2-tert-butyl-4-methylbenzene

2-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol

Phenol, (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-

NSC 60301

CCRIS 4045

2-terc.Butyl-p-kresol [Czech]

HSDB 5875

EINECS 219-314-6

Y9VVU7G7J4

BRN 1817645

DTXSID2020212

NSC-60301

DTXCID00212

EC 219-314-6

4-06-00-03397 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)

EINECS 247-108-6

BUTYL-4-METHYLPHENOL, 2-TERT-

2-T-BUTYL-4-METHYLPHENOL [HSDB]

2-TBMP

2tButylpcresol

otertButylpcresol

2tertButylpcresol

t-butyl p-cresol

2terc.Butylpkresol

4Methyl2tbutylphenol

4Methyl6tbutylphenol

pCresol, 2tertbutyl

2tertButyl4methylphenol

4Methyl2tertbutylphenol

2tertButyl4methyl1phenol

2-TERC BUTYL-P-KRESOL

1Hydroxy2tertbutyl4methylbenzene

T-BUTYL P-CRESOL [INCI]

2(1,1Dimethylethyl)4methylphenol

4Methyl2(1,1dimethylethyl)phenol

Phenol, 2(1,1dimethylethyl)4methyl

2-TERC BUTYL-P-KRESOL (CZECH)

inchi=1/c11h16o/c1-8-5-6-10(12)9(7-8)11(2,3)4/h5-7,12h,1-4h

2-(tert-butyl)-4-methylphenol

2-tert-Butyl-4-methyl-phenol

4-Methyl-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol

MFCD00002381

25567-40-2

CAS-2409-55-4

UNII-Y9VVU7G7J4

2-tert-Butyl-4-cresol

mono-tert-butyl-p-cresol

TimTec1_002162

SCHEMBL270433

2-tertiarybutyl-4-methylphenol

CHEMBL281976

phenol, 2-tert-butyl-4-methyl-

HMS1540C06

NSC60301

Phenol,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-

WLN: QR D1 BX1&1&1

Tox21_201938

Tox21_303003

2-tert-Butyl-4-methylphenol, 99%

STK367442

AKOS000120238

CS-W016085

2-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-phenol

NCGC00249138-01

NCGC00249138-02

NCGC00256616-01

NCGC00259487-01

LS-13987

DB-019858

B0910

NS00004882

EN300-20370

D84620

AB00443915-03

BRD-K22403246-001-01-7

Q27294416

F0001-0824

Z104477904