Page 185 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

between p-methoxyphenol (CH 3 CH 2 OC 6 H 4 OH) and isobutene
BHA (left) and BHT (right).
Red atoms are oxygen; white ((CH 3 ) 2 C=CH 2 )or tert,-butyl alcohol ((CH 3 ) 3 COH) over a cata-
atoms are hydrogen; and black lyst of silica (silicon dioxide; SiO 2 ) or alumina (aluminum

atoms are carbon. Gray sticks oxide; Al 2 O 3 ) at temperatures of about 150 C (302 F). BHT
indicate double bonds. Striped is usually made by reacting p-cresol (CH 3 C 6 H 4 OH) with iso-
sticks indicate a benzene ring.
butene.
PUBLISHERS RESOURCE GRO U P
COMMON USES AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS
The most important use of both BHA and BHT is as food
preservatives. When these compounds are added to products
containing fats or oils, oxygen reacts with the additive (BHA
or BHT) rather than the food itself, protecting the food from
spoiling. Among the vast array of food products containing
either BHA or BHT or both are cereals, seasonings, frostings,
dessertmixes,instantpotatoes,packagedpopcorn,bakedgoods,
pie crusts, meat products, potato chips, candy, sausage, freeze-
dried meats, butter, cheese, crackers, bread, vegetable oils,
margarine, nuts, beer, and chewing gum.
Both compounds are also added to animal feed as preserva-
tives. BHA and BHT are added to a number of non-food products

134 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS