The development of 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol traces back to the early advancements in synthetic organic chemistry. Chemists in the twentieth century began exploring substituted phenols for their antioxidant properties, hunting for molecules that could outlast and outperform natural compounds. The discovery of 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol followed this trail. Its unique chemical backbone—born from combining a para-cresol core with a bulky tert-butyl group—offered remarkable resistance to oxidation. The initial focus landed on protecting industrial oils, fuels, and polymers from degradation. Companies racing to extend product shelf life and machinery reliability found real solutions in this synthetic antioxidant. Over the years, the process for its synthesis shifted from small-scale laboratory experiments to robust, multi-ton industrial production, with each improvement widening the range of possible uses in both manufacturing and research.
2-Tert-butyl-p-cresol often stands out among industrial antioxidants. Its reputation stems from well-demonstrated performance as an additive in polymer, fuel, and lubricant industries. The molecule supports long-term storage and performance, guarding against color changes and degradation. Producers market it as a fine crystalline or powdered compound. Shippers and buyers recognize it by its chemical formula C11H16O and a distinct aroma reminiscent of phenols. Large-scale buyers include rubber and plastic manufacturers, but suppliers also cater to smaller specialty markets, shipping the compound in lined drums to prevent contamination or loss of potency.
The crude form of 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol appears as white or off-white crystals, with occasional yellowish tinges stemming from impurities. The melting point typically hovers around 50-54°C, supporting easy melting during blending or reaction steps. It boasts a moderate vapor pressure and stays stable at room temperature if shielded from strong acids or oxidants. The compound dissolves well in non-polar solvents like benzene and shows high resistance to hydrolysis, a crucial factor when faced with humid environments or acidic industrial streams. Chemical stability under heat means processors rarely contend with decomposition during standard operation, but exposure to strong oxidizers can break down the molecule into reactive fragments.
Industry-grade 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol usually falls under strict purity targets, often above 98%. Technical datasheets display its CAS number 88-18-6 and specify water content, melting range, and residual impurity profiles. Producers stamp storage instructions directly on packaging. Shipping labels declare its hazard class as a flammable solid, referencing GHS pictograms. Manufacturers apply barcodes and QR codes for inventory monitoring. Analytical reports accompany each batch, covering not just purity but peroxide and heavy metal content—critical variables for demanding end users working in sensitive manufacturing flows.
Industrial preparation of 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol involves alkylation of p-cresol using isobutylene or tert-butyl alcohol in the presence of acid catalysts. Operators feed the cresol and alkylating agent into a pressurized reactor and apply strong acid catalysts, sometimes using zeolites or ion-exchange resins to reduce byproduct formation. Careful control of temperature spurs selectivity for the para-position. Once the reaction finishes, technicians neutralize residual acid, extract the crude product, and purify it by distillation or crystallization. Achieving high yields means balancing cost, time, and process complexity, with each batch running the risk of forming tri-substituted byproducts if reaction conditions wander out of range.
Chemists value 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol's reactivity at the phenolic O-H bond. The compound can form ethers or esters when reacted with suitable alkyl halides or acid anhydrides. Its alkyl-aromatic skeleton also supports electrophilic aromatic substitutions, though steric hindrance near the ortho positions slows down many such reactions. Oxidative degradation can split off the tert-butyl group, especially when exposed to powerful oxidants. This chemical flexibility gives researchers multiple avenues to develop derivatives for advanced applications. On the industrial side, adding certain functional groups tailors solubility or reactivity to fit new customer needs, expanding the commercial reach of the core molecule.
Buyers and researchers may come across 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol under names like TBPC, 2-TBC, or butylated p-cresol. Competing suppliers or older documentation sometimes call it para-cresol tert-butyl ether, Bp-Cresol, or even by trade names baked into longstanding procurement systems. Recognizing these synonyms streamlines sourcing, especially when cross-referencing regulatory filings, technical datasheets, or toxicology reports.
Handling 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol in industrial settings means taking personal safety seriously. The compound can cause skin and eye irritation, so I always insist on chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing when dispensing or mixing. Ventilation controls dust and odor, both of which can trigger discomfort in crowded plants. Spills need soaking up with inert absorbents, followed by disposal compliant with hazardous waste laws. Fire risk hovers in the background—safety managers station extinguishers and keep storage away from incompatible chemicals. Training programs emphasize rapid recognition of exposure symptoms and reinforce emergency protocols. Regular audits of storage and handling procedures ensure companies comply with both OSHA standards and global safety frameworks.
The primary draw for 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol comes from its role as an antioxidant. Plastic manufacturers add it to polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene to defend against oxidative breakdown during extrusion, molding, and long-term storage. Lubricant blenders mix in the antioxidant to extend oil life in engines or industrial gearboxes, cutting maintenance costs and downtime. Fuel suppliers rely on it to stabilize gasoline and diesel, improving combustion quality and storage performance. Adhesive, rubber, and sealant factories use the chemical to prevent brittleness and discoloration. In the food packaging and medical industries, tight regulatory controls limit its use, though related compounds sometimes find approval for indirect applications.
Lab teams continually evaluate 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol for new uses. Researchers focus on understanding its interactions with emerging polymer blends, including bioplastics, testing the boundaries between protection and degradation. Analytical chemists design better detection methods, measuring trace levels in finished goods to assure compliance and consumer safety. Patent filings signal a steady stream of new derivatives, each tailored to tackle specific demands—from temperature extremes to pressure resistance. Universities and private labs explore how structural tweaks adjust antioxidant capacity, searching for the next breakthrough. Cross-sector collaborations drive innovation, with chemical engineers feeding real-world test results back into the pipeline for process refinement.
Long-term safety drives the most intense scrutiny for 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol. Toxicologists approach the molecule with caution, recognizing that phenolic antioxidants sometimes carry risks. Studies in animals show potential for organ impacts at high doses, especially affecting liver metabolism and kidney function. Overexposure causes skin and eye irritation, and inhaling dust may spark respiratory discomfort. Regulatory agencies catalog these findings and set occupational exposure limits. Lab models simulate breakdown products in the environment, analyzing whether byproducts accumulate or cause harm. The scientific debate pushes manufacturers to refine purity and advocate for best practices, all while governments monitor new research and adjust restrictions to reflect updated knowledge.
Demand for advanced antioxidants only grows as industries chase longer-lasting, more durable products. 2-Tert-butyl-p-cresol offers proven performance and an established supply chain, positioning it for continued relevance. Pressure mounts for safer, more sustainable alternatives, prompting both regulatory and market-driven shifts. Chemists look for greener synthesis routes, seeking catalysts or processes that generate less waste or avoid hazardous reagents. Down the line, integration into biodegradable materials could open new avenues, provided toxicology profiles track positively. As manufacturers and scientists balance safety with effectiveness, the future for 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol will depend on transparent research, responsible production, and ongoing investment in chemical innovation.
Most people walk past cleaning products at the grocery store without a thought. Few ever scan the ingredients. Hidden on those labels, right next to long complicated names, you might spot “2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol.” The name sounds like something from a high-level science textbook, but this chemical is everywhere—inside many things people use each day.
I first bumped into 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol back in a college chemistry lab. Our professor poked fun at us for confusing it with BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), its close cousin. He passed around old rubber gloves and brand-new ones. The old ones crumbled quickly in our hands—age and oxygen at work. The difference often comes down to antioxidants. 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol works as one of these key defenders.
In plastics, rubbers, and some fuels, this compound blocks oxygen and heat from breaking down the material. Think of the dashboard in your car—dozens of summer heatwaves later, it usually keeps its texture and color. Inside that plastic, the chemical is busy shielding polymers from sunlight, warmth, and time, slowing decay. Products without it become brittle and faded much faster.
The story extends to packaged foods, especially those with fats. 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol steps in to keep oils from turning rancid. The taste and smell of spoiled oil can ruin snacks, cereals, or even simple crackers. Using this antioxidant stretches the shelf life, so groceries don’t spoil before you can enjoy them. The FDA watches levels closely, since too much could cause health concerns. Recent research still supports its safety at regulated amounts.
Lubricants and oils used in factories often include this chemical, too. Without it, machines face unexpected breakdowns. Metal parts and the oil they slide through both need protection, and this antioxidant gives both a little extra time before replacement.
Rarely does anyone thank invisible chemicals, but life would look different without them. That doesn’t mean ignoring questions. A study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer suggests keeping a close watch on exposure, especially inside factories. Every antioxidant may carry risks along with benefits, so the push continues for greener options with fewer unknowns.
Nobody likes more plastic waste or harsh additions to food. I keep an eye open myself, choosing products with fewer synthetic stabilizers when I can. Still, the reality is that society relies on preservatives to prevent waste and lower costs for families. The balance calls for continued research, safer alternatives, and smart regulations. Teaching folks about the hidden helpers in daily products lets people decide for themselves what’s worth keeping in their homes.
2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol pops up on a lot of material safety data sheets. Labs use it as an antioxidant, and factories rely on it to keep things from spoiling or breaking down. Handles on reagent bottles feel cold and clinical, but real safety comes from habits, not just PPE posters on the wall.
Handling 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol feels routine until a headache or skin irritation strikes. Direct contact can trigger rashes or burns. Vapors have a way of getting into the eyes, causing redness and discomfort. Inhaled dust causes sore throats or coughing fits that hang around longer than expected. Hydrocarbons with phenolic groups tend to be less forgiving than most folk expect.
Start with the basics. Don the gloves before untwisting caps, not after. Choose a nitrile pair over latex. Not every glove resists organics equally. Look at the chemical compatibility charts on glove boxes; don't just trust the old pair in your desk.
Eye protection is no place for shortcuts. Goggles shield from splashes; they're more than just a fashion statement in the lab. In busy spaces where accidents love to happen, wearing laboratory coats and long sleeves saves skin from small spills or flying dust.
Fume hoods aren't decoration. Their exhaust systems eat up vapors so your lungs don’t take the hit. Working out in the open invites exposure. Getting into the habit of checking sash heights, flow meters, and closing doors on the hoods pays off over a career.
Chemical bottles deserve strong, tight-fitting caps. Store these solids in cool, dry cabinets with labels that haven’t faded from spilled solvents. Shelf space counts; stacking similar compounds too close together leads to confusion or cross-contamination. Organized storage makes it easier to find what you need and harder to grab the wrong bottle.
Spills don’t forgive delays. Have absorbent pads, sand, or specialized spill kits in easy reach. Scoop up powders with care. Dampen a towel before you sweep so fine particles don't take flight. Dispose of waste right after cleanup—none of those overstuffed bins or half-closed lids. Follow local hazardous disposal rules so city drains and landfills stay a little safer.
Eyes stinging? Linger at the eyewash for the full flush. Quick rinses won’t cut it with phenols. Rinse for a good 15 minutes. Peel soiled clothing right off and rinse exposed skin under running water. Seek medical advice as soon as possible, even after symptoms fade.
Reading the latest studies, reviewing updated safety sheets, and swapping stories with peers helps everyone stay sharp. Fresh eyes spot new hazards faster. Don’t treat the rules as just boxes to check; every safety tip in the book has a story behind it.
A safe lab never gets famous for horror stories. Treat chemicals with respect, keep lines of communication open, and check in on best practices often. Risks won’t disappear, but most of the headaches can be avoided. Real safety comes from habits practiced every single day.
Walking into a chemistry lab, one compound shows up often: 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol, called BHT by many. This molecule carries a bulky tert-butyl group attached at the second position of a cresol ring, with a methyl group hanging on the fourth position. The methyl and hydroxy groups stick to the benzene ring in what's known as a para arrangement. A quick glance at its backbone: C15H24O. Formally, chemists often write its structure as 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol.
I remember spending countless afternoons parsing out aromatic hydrocarbons in college, puzzle-piecing together which substituents landed where. The tert-butyl bulge sticks out, grabbing one’s attention next to the planar ring. That shape isn’t accidental. It slows down oxidation by blocking reactive spots. The oil and food industries lean on this design—in that ring sits a phenolic OH that donates a hydrogen, stopping free radicals cold.
The skeleton of 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol goes: C15H24O. That bunch of carbons, hydrogens, and a single oxygen does more than writing on paper can tell. Seeing the tert-butyl’s three methyl groups, the methyl on the other side, and the OH ready for battle—those details lock BHT into a class of phenols that work as protectors against decay.
This isn’t abstract chemistry. In food processing, keeping fats from turning rancid poses a real problem. Add BHT, oxidation slows down, products last longer. Growing up, I worked at a bakery. Breads on hot afternoons risked spoilage, but using the right preservatives, shelf life could nearly double. BHT’s chemistry keeps molecules stable by grabbing free radicals, nipping chain reactions before they run wild.
The science of BHT isn’t just about rings and structures. Regulators scrutinize every food additive. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration allows BHT in limited amounts after multiple safety reviews. Other regions set their own standards and some shoppers seek foods without BHT, preferring cleaner label promises. Science needs to keep proving safety while offering solutions to people who want their food and cosmetics to last longer without a chemical aftertaste.
BHT’s impact goes beyond food. In lubricants and fuels, its resistance to high temperatures and oxidative stress helps engines run better and last longer. This value reaches into gear fluids, plastics, rubbers, and even personal care products. Staying up-to-date with peer-reviewed research ensures claims on safety and effectiveness reflect reality, not just marketing.
Debate pops up around any chemical with such a wide reach. Some studies have questioned BHT’s effects on health, prompting regulatory oversight. Over decades, the scientific consensus supports BHT’s safety at authorized levels, yet consumers deserve clear information and honest labeling. Transparency enables choice, and researchers must update guidance as new data appears.
For people who want alternatives, producers look toward natural tocopherols or rosemary extracts. Solutions exist, but they come at a cost or may not work in every type of product. The challenge rests in balancing stability, safety, and consumer expectation—chemicals like 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol juggle all three with their unique formula and shape.
Working around chemicals for years, I've seen just how fast luck can run out if safe handling turns sloppy. 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol usually pops up in labs or plants where antioxidants matter—it keeps rubbers fresh and spoils oxidation. Some folks call it by its trade name, BHT, but anyone using it should respect its downsides as much as its advantages.
Heat pulls trouble toward this compound. It’s tempting to stick it just anywhere in the storeroom, but too much warmth can cause it to change form and even turn into something harmful. I’ve always kept containers away from radiators, hot air vents, or sun-splashed windows. Standard practice means a cool, steady temperature—think 20°C or lower. High heat doesn’t just threaten stability; it also sends up fumes in a hurry.
Oxygen and moisture take a toll. More than once, I found small clumps or color changes in jars someone left open a few days too long. You want airtight lids, but not just for spills. Screw caps should go back on fast, even between weighing out a second batch. Not even fluorescent lights belong near this stuff. Storing it in amber glass helps. For larger stocks, drums tucked on bottom shelves—marked with bold labeling—keep it both visible and away from falling over.
In chemical storerooms, mistakes often start from poor grouping. 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol doesn’t blend well with strong oxidizers or acids. I’ve seen labels washed out by leaks from a nearby bleach canister. Always cluster by hazard: keep this compound apart from anything that might provoke a runaway reaction. Metal shelves are fine, but avoid unlined steel if spills could sit for a while and corrode the surface.
Old habits pressed into routine save headaches down the line. Chemical whiffs may not seem like much, but repeated exposure builds up risk. I always kept 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol in a spot with steady air movement—not an open window, but a vented cabinet or shelf. It’s better to walk a few extra steps than breathe in fine dust or fumes all afternoon.
Labeling every jar and drum in bold print, double-checking dates, and moving old stock out on a regular basis—these chores seem tedious, but missteps drive up accident rates. I’ve stopped coworkers reaching for the wrong chemical out of habit more than once. Taking five minutes to keep storage orderly can save a hospital trip or worse.
A solid catch pan underneath large containers catches drips or cracked lids before they become bigger headaches. I’ve seen simple plastic trays in use everywhere from college labs to busy plants. A fire extinguisher and spill kit nearby almost always come through at the right moment. Nobody anticipates a spill, but a few ready tools change an emergency into a near-miss.
Safe storage doesn’t run on autopilot. It takes steady routines, sharp eyes, and honest respect for what chemicals can do—good and bad. 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol plays its role best in well-managed hands. On the shelf or in the lab, small habits stack up to big safety.
2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol, often called BHT, pops up in all sorts of places. Food companies mix it into processed goods to keep fats and oils from turning rancid too quickly. Some manufacturers rely on it as an antioxidant in plastics, cosmetics, or even fuels. With so much exposure, the big question hanging over us is whether this chemical just does its job and disappears, or if it lingers behind causing harm.
It’s not just about what a substance does in a petri dish; it’s about how it acts inside real people with real lives. Scientists have studied this antioxidant for decades. High doses given to lab animals have raised red flags, including concerns about its effect on the liver and kidneys. Scientists also worry about its links to hormone disruption, and regulatory bodies keep a wary eye on the numbers people might eat or breathe in each day.
Eating a bag of chips now and then likely won’t send anyone to the emergency room. The troubles stack up from repeated, long-term exposure at higher levels—something that can creep up on workers who handle this chemical at factories or on kids who eat a lot of heavily processed foods. Some studies suggest BHT might act as a mild irritant, causing rashes when it touches skin or triggering coughing if someone breathes dust at work.
Each time a chemical gets used, odds are it finds its way into the air, water, or soil somehow. BHT doesn’t just vanish. It builds up in rivers and creeks. Fish and insects living downstream absorb it, and nobody can really predict how it might change the food web. Researchers found traces of BHT in aquatic wildlife, raising concerns about how it piles up in living organisms. Over time, accumulation in the environment could touch off problems up the chain—fish eaten by birds, those birds eaten by something higher. Nobody wants to see toxic chemicals multiply across ecosystems.
Runoff from factories and landfills adds up. Rainwater can carry this chemical off-site into surrounding land and water. Once it takes root in the environment, it becomes tricky to fully remove, and small amounts over long periods may cause health issues for animals and people alike. Awareness has been climbing over the past decade as monitoring tools have caught up, and communities push for better answers and clearer action from governments and industry alike.
I’ve seen stronger rules make a difference in other cases like lead paint or mercury in thermometers. We can follow the same roadmap here: set strict exposure limits for workers, demand cleaner production practices, and keep track of how much gets into air and water. Simple, affordable protective gear shields workers. Companies can substitute less harmful antioxidants in food and packaging where science supports it. Educating both industry insiders and families helps reduce careless handling and unintentional overuse.
Personal experience tells me people rarely read the fine print, but clear food labels and transparent workplace safety guidelines make a real difference. If a better, proven alternative exists, regulators shouldn’t be shy about pushing for a switch. Research shouldn’t hit pause once a chemical leaves the lab—it flows all the way to where families live, work, and gather. With open eyes, ongoing studies, and a willingness to change what’s inside our products, we stand a better chance at steering clear of trouble down the road.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol |
| Other names |
2-tert-Butyl-4-methylphenol 4-Methyl-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol Butylated p-cresol BHT Avox Ionol DBPC |
| Pronunciation | /tuː tɜːrt ˈbɜːrtɪl piː ˈkriːsɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 128-37-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 573873 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:32372 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1539 |
| ChemSpider | 5795 |
| DrugBank | DB06710 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.011.074 |
| EC Number | 128-37-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 136491 |
| KEGG | C06535 |
| MeSH | D001845 |
| PubChem CID | 31404 |
| RTECS number | EO1400000 |
| UNII | W7X3C6LNWZ |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C11H16O |
| Molar mass | 220.35 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odor: phenolic |
| Density | 0.975 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 3.4 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0001 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.86 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -67.9·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.517 |
| Viscosity | Viscosity: 2.2 mPa·s (at 20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.33 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 376.1 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -354.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6310.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A05BA02 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P273, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-0-特殊 (空白) |
| Flash point | 122 °C (closed cup) |
| Autoignition temperature | 410°C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 0.9–6% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 5171 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral 890 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | TTQ3500000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of 2-Tert-Butyl-P-Cresol: "PEL: 10 mg/m3 (TWA) (OSHA) |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m3 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Butylated hydroxyanisole Butylated hydroxytoluene 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol |
