Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Butylated hydroxyanisole is an antioxidant comprising a blend of two isomeric organic compounds- 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole. Isobutylene and 4-methoxyphenol are used to make it. The E320 number identifies it as a waxy solid used as a food additive. Both BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in cosmetics, such as lipsticks and moisturizers. In addition, they are widely used as preservatives in food.

Technical Specifications:

• CAS ID: 25013-16-5
• Synonyms: 2(3)-t-Butylhydroquinone monomethyl ether, BHA, 2(3)-t-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole
• Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₁₆O₂
• Molecular Weight: 180.24
• Melting point: 48 C
• Boiling point: 264 C
• Purity: 98.5%

How does it work:

Mice and rats exposed to high doses of BHT suffer liver, thyroid, kidney and lung damage, as well as problems with blood coagulation. Under certain circumstances, BHT can promote tumor growth. As a general rule, antioxidants have two modes of action: synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and hydroxytoluene (BHT) blocks the formation of peroxy radicals, whereas carotenoids quench the reactive singlet state of oxygen.

Applications Or where it is used:

In addition to serving as an antioxidant, BHA also serves as a yeast defoaming agent and a means to prevent fats in foods from going rancid. A third function of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is to stabilize fats and maintain food color, taste, and smell. Virus called herpes causes cold sores. BHT may expedite the healing process of cold sores. 

How to use:

Food, food packaging, animal feed, cosmetics, rubber, and petroleum products contain BHA primarily as an antioxidant and preservative. Herpes genitalis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are treated with BHT. Some people apply BHT directly to their skin for cold sores.

Side effects:

Processed foods contain safe amounts of BHT. Unfortunately, there is not enough data to determine whether BHT is safe when taken in medicinal doses, which are typically higher. BHT can also be used safely on the skin, but we don't have enough information to conclude this.