3,5-Di-Tert-Butylcatechol stands out among phenolic compounds thanks to its bulky tert-butyl groups and notable antioxidant character. This organic molecule, often called DTBC or DBC, brings unique traits shaped by its structure and the tert-butyl substituents at the 3 and 5 positions on the catechol ring. With a molecular formula of C14H22O2 and a molecular weight near 222.32 g/mol, the molecule avoids volatility and delivers stability both in pure and blended forms. I’ve noticed in practice that its chemical backbone, based on a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups (the catechol part), and the two bulky alkyl groups, directly influence not only how it performs in applications but also how it behaves during storage and transportation.
Anyone handling DTBC firsthand recognizes its distinctly physical signatures: as a solid, it usually presents itself as off-white to yellowish flakes or crystalline powder, sometimes forming granular pearls depending on synthesis or the grade selected. Touching the material, I’ve found it has a greasy, waxy feel; the density typically hangs around 1.08 g/cm³ at standard temperature. Melting points fall between 52°C and 58°C. It’s not particularly soluble in water, but solvents like ethanol, acetone, or benzene break it down with ease. In some cases, DTBC arrives dissolved in these solvents, right in a liquid blend, for direct dosing. Its strong oxidation resistance and low volatility mean the crystals don’t sublimate or vaporize easily, which matters when weighing air quality or worker safety.
The structure of 3,5-Di-Tert-Butylcatechol gives it a leg up as an antioxidant, stalling radical chain reactions in polymerization and other chemical processes. The tert-butyl groups block oxygen from reaching the reactive sites on the ring, a direct result of the molecule’s bulkiness and electron-donating effects. That’s where its value comes through clearly for anyone mixing plastics or synthetic rubbers: it slows degradation, adds shelf-life to raw materials, and, in solution, maintains this power even at low concentrations. For me, the protection DTBC offers during storage or transport has been a real asset when working with monomers prone to unwanted, runaway polymerization or discoloration.
The HS Code most widely accepted for 3,5-Di-Tert-Butylcatechol is 29072990, typically under the categorization for other phenolic compounds. If you’re involved in customs or hazardous shipments, this classification saves a lot of confusion at borders. It’s often shipped as solid flakes or in drums with a tightly sealed lining, labeled for chemical and hazardous material handling. There’s a significant emphasis on dryness and temperature controls in warehousing, as the pure material stands sensitive to heat or air over long periods. Suppliers list it either among antioxidants, chemical intermediates, or specialty chemicals, marking it as a premium raw material for manufacturers in plastics, coatings, and some elastomers.
Handling DTBC in the lab or on the shop floor comes with standard chemical risks. Prolonged skin contact may lead to irritation, and inhaling its dust or vapors — rare but possible if heated — can harm respiratory systems. Safety Data Sheets note its harmful and irritating potential, with acute oral LD50 (rat) typically reported above 1000 mg/kg, making it less acutely toxic than some antioxidants but still commanding respect during handling. Nitrile gloves, industrial eye protection, local exhaust ventilation, and diligent hand washing after use go a long way to prevent occupational exposures. DTBC also poses a risk for aquatic environments due to its phenolic nature, so accidental spills demand strict containment and responsible disposal — I’ve seen compliance audits ding storage sites for poor labeling or uneven containment racks, so close attention to these basics pays off in safety and regulatory peace.
Specifications for DTBC depend on intended use. High-purity material (above 99%) often appears in polymer industries, with lower purities sometimes allowed for paint or adhesive grades. Labs will quantify impurities like water content by Karl Fischer titration, and verify the melting point, color, and form; buyers in Europe and North America tend to inspect every incoming drum. Solutions up to 40% (w/v) in ethanol, or blends in toluene or hydrocarbon solvents, help with dosing for continuous processes or metered addition directly into reactors. Even in powder, flake, or crystal form, DTBC resists caking under dry conditions, which has made material transfer straightforward in my experience.
3,5-Di-Tert-Butylcatechol’s robust oxidative stability, combined with strong physical integrity in ambient storage, builds confidence among downstream users. It’s a go-to fix for protecting bulk monomers or stabilizing feedstocks prone to pre-polymerization. In contexts where raw material preservation spells the difference between costly waste and high yield, this antioxidant serves as both a safety stop and an economic buffer. I’ve learned the hard way that savings in procurement quickly evaporate when cheaper or less pure antioxidants lead to product spoilage or lost batches, so the upfront cost for well-specified DTBC justifies itself. With rising safety standards and traceability demands, each property — from purity to density to hazard classification — earns attention not because it ticks mandatory boxes, but because failure leads to real consequences on the ground, from regulatory penalties to unexpected downtime.
