2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Ethylphenol appears in the chemical industry as a solid, sometimes found as flakes, powder, crystals, or pearls. Its molecular formula stands as C16H26O, and with a molecular weight of 234.38 g/mol, it offers impressive oxidative stability. This compound falls under the HS Code 2907.19.0000 for customs, and its structure features a phenol ring with bulky tert-butyl groups at the 2 and 6 positions and an ethyl group at the 4 position. The combination of these groups affects both its physical properties and its chemical reactivity, making it a staple in materials that require slow degradation from oxidation. The solid jagged flakes carry a distinct, somewhat medicinal odor, and the product resists solubility in water but dissolves well in most common organic solvents like ethanol or toluene. Concerning its property profile, this material melts between 35°C and 38°C. Its density comes in around 0.9 g/cm³ at room temperature. These values show the practicality of handling and storing the substance, especially in climates or setups where temperature regulation isn’t a top priority.
Not all phenolic compounds share the abrasion resistance found here. 2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Ethylphenol, by nature of its large tert-butyl groups, creates a significant steric hindrance. This slows down reactions with free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Its shelf stability translates well into end-use in rubber processing, coatings, lubricants, plastics, and adhesives. On a practical note, the material, whether in flakes, powder, or solid crystal, travels well in drums or bags lined with polyethylene. Some users have reported using the powder for blending faster in masterbatch operations or relying on flakes in lower-dust processes. The substance resists clumping, even in humid environments, and retains its consistency in a variety of storage settings.
Industries of all sizes lean on this material in manufacturing polymers, synthetic rubbers, and specialty lubricants. Not just for color retention, it helps keep plastics and rubbers from turning brittle or yellow with age and sunlight. Its antioxidant properties stem from the phenolic structure donating hydrogen atoms to unstable molecular fragments, effectively neutralizing radicals that would otherwise wear down product quality. My own hands-on time in a polymer compounding plant confirmed this. Polyethylene runs with added 2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Ethylphenol showed much slower embrittlement in accelerated weathering chambers. In coatings, the addition helped paints stay flexible and free of cracks months longer than untreated controls.
As with most phenolic chemicals, 2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Ethylphenol requires respect for proper handling practices. Inhalation of dust or powder during mixing or weighing sometimes leads to irritation in the upper respiratory tract. It is not acutely toxic in small exposures, but the material does have harmful properties if mishandled. Direct skin contact might cause irritation in sensitive users. Chemical safety data sheets classify this substance as hazardous; thus, users need good local exhaust and protective gear. The substance doesn’t leach significantly into water supplies due to its low solubility, although waste disposal needs to follow regulations designed for phenolics and related organics. Industrial hygiene teams suggest using nitrile gloves and tight-sealing goggles while measuring or transferring the solid. If a spill occurs, sawdust or sand can absorb the flakes or powder, and proper incineration or landfill disposal takes care of the remaining waste.
Plants buying this compound for raw material input into antioxidants expect high purity, typically above 98% by weight, confirmed by gas chromatography. Impurities often accelerate degradation or disrupt polymerization catalysts, so buyers tend to work with reputable suppliers that use closed-system synthesis with minimal batch-to-batch variation. The physical state—flakes, powder, or pearls—rarely affects the antioxidant activity if purity and process compatibility line up with downstream needs. From my experience, trace metals and chlorinated residues should sit as low as possible to avoid negative impacts on food-contact polymers or medical devices. Another benefit of this phenolic antioxidant is shelf stability: In cool, dry storage, material stored in polyethylene-lined drums keeps for years. Regular quality checks, using both titration and spectrometry, help buyers guarantee consistency and avoid surprise downtime on manufacturing lines.
Teams handling this substance sometimes run into dust issues in powder form. To cut down airborne exposure, many facilities turn to automated weighing and closed transfer systems. Some lines use a melt-in hopper to avoid pre-blending, letting the compound flow with other solid additives. Despite the stable solid nature, it always pays to keep it sealed against moisture contamination, which might cake the product or cause minor skin irritation. For shipping, leak-proof polyethylene drums or tamper-evident bags stand out as the most effective containers. Downstream, users in plastics or coatings often dissolve the solid directly into resin or solvent, bypassing the need for extra grinding. The low-density, waxy flakes disperse into hot melt grades faster, saving time and keeping the process running smooth. As for disposal, facilities turn to licensed waste handlers, following regional rules for phenolic raw materials, to protect upstream water quality and air.
2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Ethylphenol may seem, at first glance, a simple additive, yet its handling reflects broader issues in chemical safety and sustainable use. It meets modern demands for stabilization performance in industrial and consumer products. While its low acute toxicity reassures many users, the emphasis on skin and eye protection remains. Regulations in the EU and North America define permissible exposure levels and remind factories and users to keep careful logs on quantities and waste. Professional practice means working hygiene into daily operations, not just meeting a checklist. Every batch from the supplier bears documentation confirming purity, density, and physical form, and regulatory guidance calls for transparency at every step. Responsible treatment of waste, prompt containment of any spills, and ongoing worker training all help avoid the stories of accidental exposure or mishaps that can mar a reputation. With so many products relying on stable, long-lived materials, the continued demand for antioxidants draws attention to the way we manage chemical risk, safeguard product quality, and minimize any hazard along the supply chain.
