The chemical name for Antioxidant 264 is 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. This compound is widely recognized by its more common acronym, BHT, which stands for Butylated Hydroxytoluene.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant primarily used in food, cosmetics, and industrial products to prevent oxidation, which can cause spoilage or degradation.
Understanding Antioxidants: A Broader Perspective
While Antioxidant 264 (BHT) is specifically 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, it belongs to a class of compounds known as hindered phenols. These compounds are effective antioxidants because their structure allows them to stabilize free radicals, thereby inhibiting chain reactions of oxidation.
A closely related compound, 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol, is also a significant antioxidant and a key precursor in the synthesis of various other antioxidants, including BHT itself. Understanding 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol provides insight into the chemical family to which BHT belongs.
Names and Identifiers for 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol
Here is a detailed list of names and identifiers associated with 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol:
| Name Type | Chemical Names and Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC Name | 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol |
| Other Names |
|
| CAS Number | 128-39-2 |
Key Characteristics of 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol
- Structure: 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is characterized by a phenol ring substituted with two bulky tert-butyl groups at the 2 and 6 positions. This sterically hindered structure is crucial for its antioxidant activity, as it helps to stabilize the phenolic radical formed during the antioxidant mechanism.
- Role in Synthesis: It is often used as an intermediate in the production of more complex hindered phenol antioxidants, including BHT, by adding other functional groups to the para-position of the phenol ring.
- Industrial Utility: Like BHT, 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol itself finds applications in various industrial sectors. It can act as a stabilizer for plastics, rubbers, and petroleum products to prevent degradation caused by oxidation. For example, it is used to extend the shelf life of lubricants and fuels by inhibiting the formation of undesirable oxidative byproducts.
Practical Applications of Antioxidants
Antioxidants like BHT and its precursors play a vital role across multiple industries:
- Food Industry: BHT is widely used to prevent fats and oils from becoming rancid, thereby extending the shelf life of processed foods such as cereals, snacks, and baked goods.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: In lotions, creams, and makeup, antioxidants protect the products from degradation caused by exposure to air and light, maintaining their efficacy and appearance.
- Polymer Industry: They are incorporated into plastics, rubbers, and elastomers to protect them from thermal and oxidative degradation during processing and throughout their service life, enhancing durability and performance.
- Fuel and Lubricant Additives: Antioxidants help prevent the formation of sludge and varnish in engines and machinery by inhibiting the oxidation of oils and fuels, leading to improved engine longevity and efficiency.
Understanding the specific chemical names and the broader class of compounds helps in identifying their roles and applications in modern chemistry and industry.
