Contact Us
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
© 2025 Jeifer Pharmaceutical, All Right
Reserved.
Butyl Hydroxytoluene, often abbreviated as BHT, appears everywhere as a protective ingredient in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial settings. This compound gets attention for its job as an antioxidant, especially at the pharma grade covered by BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) standards. Its molecular formula, C15H24O, shapes it into a white crystalline solid under typical storage conditions. BHT, with its chemical structure showing a substituted phenol ring, acts against oxidation, slowing down the breakdown of products. For anyone handling bulk chemicals, seeing BHT labeled under HS Code 29071910 helps with trading and export paperwork.
Pharmaceutical-grade BHT arrives in multiple forms, each with a reason behind it. Most commonly, it shows up as free-flowing white to light yellow flakes or crystalline powder, but sometimes takes the shape of pearls or sometimes even a consolidated solid block. Flakes make handling easy, as does powdered form, which can mix into other raw materials quickly. The compound stays solid at room temperature with a melting point between 69°C and 72°C. In high-purity grades intended for medicine, makers keep moisture below 0.5%, usually around 0.2%, to protect stability till the last step of formulation. The density sits at about 1.05 g/cm³, so it packs without much air trapped, whether in bags or drums.
The backbone of BHT carries two tert-butyl groups sitting next to a methyl at the aromatic ring, giving the structure both bulk and stability against reacting with oxygen. That balance of size and function means it interrupts oxidative chain reactions, especially in fat- and oil-based systems. In pharma, BHT helps ensure sensitive ingredients stay active from shelf to patient. Its non-volatile nature at room temperature, together with its slow dissolution in water but higher solubility in organic solvents, gives manufacturers some flexibility: adjust for tablets, capsules, or topical formulas as the plan requires.
A pharma-grade BHT product always passes multiple checks to meet monograph specs. Purity hits 99% or higher. Loss on drying keeps below 0.5%. Related substances, including 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and similar, fall within tight ppm limits. The material resists clumping, with sulfated ash below 0.01%. UV and IR scans match reference spectra, confirming no contamination from common industrial byproducts. Each batch shows the correct molecular weight—220.35 g/mol—and clear ID through chromatographic peaks or spectral signatures. Solid state batches avoid caking by sticking to tight moisture control, while liquid batches—rare, but sometimes made for niche solutions—rely on glycol or alcohol to dissolve BHT fully.
BHT matters to medicine, but safety counts as well. Industrial safety data points to BHT as a stable compound: it does not ignite easily or give off toxic fumes below 300°C. Still, inhaling its dust or handling large amounts without gloves or a mask sometimes leads to mild irritation. Direct consumption in large amounts causes gastric upset, so pharmaceutical recipes use BHT in controlled doses, often below 0.01% of a finished tablet. Regulatory agencies around the world track potential long-term effects and place strict rules on exposure, especially in manufacturing. Warehouses store BHT away from acids, oxidizers, and sources of high heat. Even though it resists water, direct contact with moisture isn’t recommended because it can affect shelf stability over the long term.
As a raw material, BHT finds its way into pain relief tablets, anti-infective creams, and nutritional supplements—places where stability holds the key to long shelf life and patient confidence. It mixes with other excipients in granulation tanks or blenders, ready to protect vitamins, fats, and oils inside the medicine. Given its relatively low cost and high stability, BHT supports mass production in both small and large plants, helping keep costs manageable even as regulations get stricter. Its official monographs under BP, EP, and USP mean that buyers know what to expect, whether sourcing from India, China, Europe, or the United States.
Addressing its environmental footprint, BHT brings both positives and caution flags. It resists biodegradation, hanging around in waste streams if not processed correctly. Wastewater plants need to tackle BHT with careful filtration or combustion, and some studies say too much in soil or water could build up in wildlife. That concern fuels the search for tighter disposal protocols in pharmaceutical factories and pushes buyers to look for certified supply chains with environmental safeguards. Still, compared to many legacy antioxidants, BHT’s risk profile stays manageable when producers follow the rules, monitor air and water output, and train workers on correct use.
The practical solution to BHT’s challenges means doubling down on transparent sourcing, constant monitoring, and good lab practice. Reputable suppliers submit every batch to spectroscopic and chromatographic identity testing. Environmental good sense comes into play by minimizing residues in effluent and investing in sealed packaging that stops leaks or contamination. As synthetic antioxidants face scrutiny, researchers explore plant-derived alternatives, but so far BHT’s balance of reliability and low cost keeps it relevant for pharmaceutical applications. Looking ahead, companies that keep data on real-world exposure, keep up with shifting regulations, and put investment behind cleaner manufacturing set themselves apart.
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
