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Butyl Hydroxyanisole, commonly known as BHA, steps in as an antioxidant that finds wide application in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. The pharma grade variety, which meets BP, EP, and USP standards, goes through strict evaluation so it fits into products where safety and performance rank highest. Its chemical formula, C11H16O2, and a molecular weight of about 180.25 g/mol, set it apart from many basic raw materials. This compound enters products to delay rancidity in fats and oils, guarding against changes in taste, odor, and appearance. That detail matters to anyone working with products meant for intake or application on the skin.
At room temperature, BHA shows up as a white or slightly yellow solid, sometimes seen as flakes, powder, or even pearls depending on processing methods. Its melting point sits between 48°C to 63°C, which for a chemistry-minded manufacturer, offers flexibility in how it gets added to other raw materials. In crystalline form, BHA reveals its pure, high-grade nature with a distinct, mild odor. The compound has a density close to 1.01 g/cm³, so it blends in easily with fats, waxes, and liquid vehicles. BHA demonstrates slight solubility in water, but it dissolves far better in organic solvents and oils, making its handling straightforward for labs and production lines that use liquid or semi-solid matrices.
Manufacturers lean on established specifications to confirm the identity and safety of BHA. Meeting BP, EP, and USP guidelines, BHA intended for pharmaceuticals must show a purity of not less than 98.5%. Strict limits on heavy metals, ash content, and loss on drying guard against harmful contamination, which could sneak in during synthesis or storage. Each batch usually carries information on HS Code 29095090, aligning with global customs and chemical trade documentation. The structure itself—4-methoxy-2-tert-butylphenol and 3-methoxy-2-tert-butylphenol—isomers—signals both how the product performs as an antioxidant and which regulatory rules it fits.
BHA features an aromatic backbone and a bulky side chain, which allows it to scavenge free radicals that threaten the stability of fats and oils. It holds its strength under moderate heat, staying effective through common heating cycles involved in pharmaceutical and food processing. The compound’s robust nature works well for tablet coatings, capsules, ointments, and even suspensions. Depending on the distributor or manufacturing plant, BHA may arrive as a fine white powder, larger flakes, or even small solid pearls. Each form suits different dosing machinery, mixing systems, and end uses, reinforcing the value of accurate sourcing.
Every chemical, no matter how familiar, brings some risks to the table, and BHA is no exception. The material shows low acute toxicity, but repeated handling without protective gear can cause mild irritation in the skin or eyes for some individuals. Dust generation from powder or fine flakes signals a need for careful storage and spill management. Regulatory guidelines describe BHA as stable under standard conditions, yet safety sheets require keeping it away from strong oxidants and acids. Facilities storing significant quantities carry out annual safety drills to reduce the risk of accidental release or misuse. Handlers using lab coats, gloves, and eye protection see fewer workplace injuries linked to chemicals like BHA.
Producers of high-grade BHA draw on petrochemical sources, refining the material through precise synthesis and purification. Major suppliers stand accountable through third-party audits and internal quality checks, delivering certificates of analysis for each lot shipped. I’ve seen in-person how missed steps in purification can introduce off-odors or visible discoloration, both of which cause pharmaceutical buyers to return shipments—nobody wants their brand associated with low-quality excipients. Reliable BHA enables finished drugs to pass shelf-life tests, ensuring patients, hospitals, and clinics don’t need to toss batches due to failed stability studies. In industries where the smallest impurity can trigger a recall, genuine adherence to quality, from molecular fingerprinting up to packaging, keeps products trusted and safe for use.
Concerns about synthetic antioxidants sometimes surface, with critics pointing to reports on possible links to allergic reactions and rare toxicities with high, prolonged exposure. While BHA ranks low among hazardous chemicals, ongoing research continues into its metabolism and long-term safety when used in large-scale food and medicine production. Some companies now work to lower overall additive concentrations by optimizing product formulations, seeking natural alternatives or adjusting packaging for improved shelf life. I’ve watched industry panels hash out options, always weighing urgency against practicality. For many applications, complete removal of BHA isn’t feasible—stability counts—but careful sourcing, regular reviews of toxicological data, and steady dialogue with regulators remain the safest way forward.
Countries differ in how they restrict or allow BHA, so companies eyeing global distribution must remain alert to both new studies and regulatory updates. The HS Code aids customs and record-keeping, smoothing logistics and inventory tracking. In my experience, the firms most successful in managing compliance dedicate teams to update documentation in real time, test new batches often, and run pilot studies each time a formulation or law shifts. This costs time and money, but one bad shipment—one misread certificate—can bring far bigger loss. Honest labeling and transparent supply chains allow buyers and consumers to make informed choices about the products they rely on, building real trust over time.
Chemical Name: Butyl Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Grade: BP/EP/USP Pharma
Formula: C11H16O2
Molecular Weight: ~180.25 g/mol
HS Code: 29095090
Appearance: White/yellowish solid, powder, flakes, pearls
Melting Point: 48°C – 63°C
Density: ~1.01 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, well soluble in oils/organic solvents
Major Use: Antioxidant for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
Hazards: Eye/skin irritation with direct contact; use PPE during handling
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
