2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol stands out as a synthetic chemical compound used in a variety of industrial processes. Its presence stretches from oxidation inhibitors to polymer manufacturing. Whether used as a raw material or intermediate, this compound brings a set of distinct traits shaped by its solid molecular structure. The chemical formula is C14H22O, with a molecular weight near 206.32 g/mol. The molecular structure features a phenol ring bearing two bulky tert-butyl groups at positions two and four, which gives rise to properties not commonly seen in simpler phenol derivatives. Those tert-butyl groups offer large steric protection, enhancing its resistance to further oxidation, a fact that underscores the compound’s recurring role as an antioxidant in plastics and lubricants.
The physical state of 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol usually comes as white crystalline flakes or a powder, though some batches may form off-white pearls or even appear as a granular solid, depending on cooling and storage conditions after synthesis. The melting point typically holds around 53-55°C, establishing its stability under ambient and slightly increased temperatures found in storerooms or transit. The compound shows low solubility in water but dissolves quite well in common organic solvents like ethanol, diethyl ether, or benzene. Its specific density often falls close to 0.94 g/cm³. Not many raw materials in the chemical industry provide the mix of non-hygroscopic, stable, and robust characters like this molecule. Its structure resists moisture absorption, protecting against clumping or caking that plagues less stable substances.
The industrial trade of 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol relies heavily on its purity level. Top manufacturers deliver it with a content of 99% min, limiting impurities and unwanted phenolic derivatives below 1%. The product’s HS Code stands as 2907.19 for customs reference, falling under the category of “phenols and phenol-alcohols, other.” Each production lot includes analysis reports for melting range, purity by gas chromatography, and levels of moisture or inorganic residue. Sourcing from experienced suppliers matters because variation in feedstock quality or process controls leaves more impurities, impacting finished product performance in polymer or lubricant applications. Testing these specifications with real-world batches remains a must for any buyer who has suffered from off-spec product leading to line shutdowns.
The compound’s structure influences so many of its uses. With tert-butyl groups guarding the reactive phenol center, the molecule prefers to sit in a less reactive, more stable state. This reduces the risk of unwanted side reactions in polymerization or blending with oils where oxidative stability can define product shelf-life. Crystallinity also makes a huge difference for handling and storage. As solid flakes or powder, it flows easily and stores well in plastic or fiber drums, reducing dust formation that sometimes creates housekeeping headaches in busy factories. Certain customer requests might involve dissolving the solid into solutions for quick blending, which works fine using compatible organic solvents, but most of the time, powder or flake form proves the most practical and economical for transport and use.
From a safety perspective, 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol merits proper respect. It remains classified as a hazardous substance in several regulatory frameworks. Contact with skin or eyes causes irritation, and inhalation of dust brings risks to respiratory health for unprotected workers. Safe handling practices include gloves, goggles, dust masks, and strong local ventilation. Fire risk runs low because of its solid form and reasonably high flash point, but it doesn’t mean facilities can treat it casually—spills need prompt cleanup. Once, in a plant setting, ignoring dust buildup near processing lines created a clean-up trouble because even mild static discharge can ignite some accumulated organic powders. Waste management follows chemical hazardous waste protocols—never pour down the drain or toss in standard trash. Environmental persistence stays limited, yet the phenolic core carries the potential for aquatic toxicity if released in quantity, giving added reason to confine and control any spills.
Everyday, 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol finds its home in manufacturing antioxidants for plastics, rubbers, and industrial lubricants. The stability it offers lets finished products last longer and withstand harsher operating conditions. In my own years working with polymer labs, this material became vital in developing high-durability polyethylene blends. It formed the backbone of custom antioxidant packages for cables and molded parts. Outside polymers, it appears in specialty adhesives, waxes, and even as a raw material for synthesis of more advanced chemical intermediates. Industries seeking performance improvements often turn to this molecule for its reliable, predictable results. Flake or powder form makes scaling manufacturing up or down feasible without redesigning conveying or dissolution systems.
Quality matters most when it comes to choosing raw materials. Each drum or bag of 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol should come with detailed specification sheets. Carefully check molecular weight, melting point, and purity against your process needs. Understand the safety data before any use, and make sure all personnel are trained for responsible handling. Storage areas work best when dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Spill response kits belong near areas where solid material is weighed or transferred. Investing in better ventilation and dust collection pays for itself by reducing cleaning costs and protecting worker health. Supplier reputation carries weight—missing out on support during a quality or formulation crisis can inflict real pain both in workflow and finished product consistency.
Start with thoughtful supplier selection and in-house quality checks. Adoption of real-time monitoring on dosing or blending lines offers peace of mind in larger operations; data log incidents like stuck feeders or out-of-spec density can catch errors early. Training workers to recognize risks from dust generation and to use correct PPE gives genuine protection, rather than simply ticking off compliance boxes. Eco-friendly disposal plans that recover or neutralize spent material demonstrate responsible stewardship and keep both regulators and local communities confident. Industry-wide, ongoing R&D seeks alternatives with lower toxicity but similar antioxidant performance to lessen the hazardous footprint left by phenolic compounds. Until those options reach scale, diligent management and transparent communication stay central to safe and effective use of 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol in manufacturing settings.
