BUTYL HYDROXY TOLUENE

BUTYL HYDROXY TOLUENE (BHT)

Butyl Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), also known as dibutylhydroxytoluene, is a lipophilic organic compound, chemically a derivative of phenol, that is useful for its antioxidant properties. Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is widely used to prevent free radical-mediated oxidation in fluids (e.g. fuels, oils) and other materials, and the regulations overseen by the U.S. F.D.A.—which considers Butyl Hydroxy Toluene to be "generally recognized as safe"—allow small amounts to be added to foods.

CAS No. : 128-37-0
EC No. : 204-881-4

Synonyms:
2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol; 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene; DBPC; BHT; E321; AO-29; Avox BHT; Additin RC 7110; Dibutylated hydroxytoluene; 4-Methyl-2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol; butil hidroksi toluen; bütil hidroksi tolüen; butil-hidroksi-toluen; bütil-hidroksi-tolüen; b-h-t; butyl hidroxi toluen; 3,5-(Dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxytoluene; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol; Butylated hydroxytoluene; BUTYL HYDROXY TOLUENE (BHT); 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol; BHT, Butylated hydroxytoluene; Butylhydroxytoluene, DBPC; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol; Butylated hydroxytoluene; 128-37-0; Butylhydroxytoluene; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol; 2,6-Di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol; Ionol; BHT; DBPC; Dibunol; Stavox; Ionol CP; Phenol, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-; Impruvol; Topanol; Dalpac; Deenax; Ionole; Vianol; Antioxidant KB; 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene; 2,6-ditert-butyl-4-methylphenol; Antioxidant 4K; Sumilizer BHT; Topanol O; Topanol OC; Vanlube PC; Antioxidant DBPC; Sustane BHT; Tenamene 3; Vanlube PCX; Antioxidant 29; Antioxidant 30; Nonox TBC; Tenox BHT; Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol; Chemanox 11; Ionol 1; Agidol; Catalin CAO-3; Advastab 401; Ionol (antioxidant); BUKS; Parabar 441; Paranox 441; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-cresol; Catalin antioxydant 1; Antrancine 8; Butylated hydroxytoluol; Vulkanox KB; Dibutylated hydroxytoluene; Kerabit; Tonarol; Ional; 2,6-Bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol; AO 4K; CAO 1; CAO 3; Di-tert-butyl-p-methylphenol; Antioxidant MPJ; Antioxidant 4; Toxolan P; Alkofen BP; o-Di-tert-butyl-p-methylphenol; Swanox BHT; Tenamen 3; Antox QT; Antioxidant 264; 4-Methyl-2,6-tert-butylphenol; Agidol 1; Bht (food grade); 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-1-hydroxy-4-methylbenzene; Dibutylhydroxytoluene; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-methylphenol; AO 29; 2,6-DI-T-BUTYL-P-CRESOL; 4-Methyl-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol; Butyl hydroxy toluene; Antioxidant T 501; Nocrac 200; 2,6-Di-terc.butyl-p-kresol; 4-Hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butyltoluene; Caswell No. 291A; FEMA No. 2184; Dbpc (technical grade); P 21; Annulex BHT; AOX 4K; Bht(food grade); 4-Methyl-2,6-di-terc. butylfenol; AOX 4; 1-Hydroxy-4-methyl-2,6-di-tert-butylbenzene; MFCD00011644; Di-tert-butylcresol; CCRIS 103; Butylohydroksytoluenu [Polish]; Butylated hydroxytoluene (bht); Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (VAN); Dbpc(technical grade); p-Cresol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-; BHT 264; C15H24O; 2,6-ditert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol; NSC 6347; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol; EINECS 204-881-4; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene; CHEMBL146; 2,6-Di-terc.butyl-p-kresol [Czech]; EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 022105; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylhydroxybenzene; AI3-19683; 4-Methyl-2,6-di-terc. butylfenol [Czech]; 4-Methyl-2,6-di-t-butyl-phenol; 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl phenol; 2,6-bis(tert-butyl)-4-methylphenol; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 99%; BUTYL HYDROXY TOLUENE (BHT); CAS-128-37-0; Butylohydroksytoluenu; Ionol CP-antioxidant; 1,3-Dioxolane, 99.5+%, pure, stabilized; 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 99.8%; Ionol" CP-antioxidant; Dibutylcresol; Popol; 4-Methyl-2,6-ditertbutylphenol; Antracine 8; Embanox BHT; Hydagen DEO; Lowinox BHT; Nipanox BHT; 1,3-Dioxolane, 99.8%, anhydrous, stabilized with 75 ppm BHT, AcroSeal(R); BHT Swanox; BHT, food grade; Butylhydroxytoluenum; Ionol BHT; Ralox BHT; 2, food grade; Butylated hydroxytoluene [BAN:NF]; Dibutyl-para-cresol; Topanol OC and 0; Butylated hydroxytoluene [USAN:BAN]8

Butyl Hydroxy Toluene

Butylated hydroxytoluene (Butyl Hydroxy Toluene), also known as dibutylhydroxytoluene, is a lipophilic organic compound, chemically a derivative of phenol, that is useful for its antioxidant properties. Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is widely used to prevent free radical-mediated oxidation in fluids (e.g. fuels, oils) and other materials, and the regulations overseen by the U.S. F.D.A.—which considers Butyl Hydroxy Toluene to be "generally recognized as safe"—allow small amounts to be added to foods. Despite this, and the earlier determination by the National Cancer Institute that Butyl Hydroxy Toluene was noncarcinogenic in an animal model, societal concerns over its broad use have been expressed. Butyl Hydroxy Toluene has also been postulated as an antiviral drug, but as of March 2020, use of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene as a drug is not supported by the scientific literature and it has not been approved by any drug regulatory agency for use as an antiviral.

Natural occurrence of Butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT)
Phytoplankton, including the green algae Botryococcus braunii, as well as three different cyanobacteria (Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp.) are capable of producing Butyl Hydroxy Toluene as a natural product. The fruit lychee also produces Butyl Hydroxy Toluene in its pericarp. Several fungi (example Aspergillus conicus) living in olives produce Butyl Hydroxy Toluene.

Production of Butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT)
Industrial production of Butyl hydroxy toluene
The chemical synthesis of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene in industry has involved the reaction of p-cresol (4-methylphenol) with isobutylene (2-methylpropene), catalyzed by sulfuric acid:
CH3(C6H4)OH + 2 CH2=C(CH3)2 → ((CH3)3C)2CH3C6H2OH
Alternatively, Butyl Hydroxy Toluene has been prepared from 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol by hydroxymethylation or aminomethylation followed by hydrogenolysis.

Reactions of Butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT)
The species behaves as a synthetic analog of vitamin E, primarily acting as a terminating agent that suppresses autoxidation, a process whereby unsaturated (usually) organic compounds are attacked by atmospheric oxygen. Butyl Hydroxy Toluene stops this autocatalytic reaction by converting peroxy radicals to hydroperoxides. It effects this function by donating a hydrogen atom:
RO2• + ArOH → ROOH + ArO•
RO2• + ArO• → nonradical products
where R is alkyl or aryl, and where ArOH is Butyl Hydroxy Toluene or related phenolic antioxidants. Each Butyl Hydroxy Toluene consumes two peroxy radicals.

Applications of Butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT)
Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is listed under several categories in catalogues and databases, such as food additive, household product ingredient, industrial additive, personal care product/cosmetic ingredient, pesticide ingredient, plastic/rubber ingredient and medical/veterinary/research.

Food additive of Butyl hydroxy toluene
Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is primarily used as an antioxidant food additive. In the United States, it is classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) based on a National Cancer Institute study from 1979 in rats and mice. It is approved for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration: For example, 21 CFR § 137.350 allows Butyl Hydroxy Toluene up to 0.0033% by weight in "enriched rice", while 9 CFR § 381.147] allows up to 0.01% in poultry "by fat content". It is permitted in the European Union under E321.
Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is used as a preservative ingredient in some foods. With this usage Butyl Hydroxy Toluene maintains freshness or prevents spoilage; it may be used to decrease the rate at which the texture, color, or flavor of food changes.
Some food companies have voluntarily eliminated Butyl Hydroxy Toluene from their products or have announced that they were going to phase it out.

Antioxidant
Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is also used as an antioxidant in products such as metalworking fluids, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rubber, transformer oils, and embalming fluid. In the petroleum industry, where Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is known as the fuel additive AO-29, it is used in hydraulic fluids, turbine and gear oils, and jet fuels. Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is also used to prevent peroxide formation in organic ethers and other solvents and laboratory chemicals. It is added to certain monomers as a polymerisation inhibitor to facilitate their safe storage. Some additive products contain Butyl Hydroxy Toluene as their primary ingredient, while others contain the chemical merely as a component of their formulation, sometimes alongside butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).

Health effects of Butyl hydroxy toluene
Like many closely related phenol antioxidants, Butyl Hydroxy Toluene has low acute toxicity (e.g., the desmethyl analog of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, has an LD50 of >9 g/kg). The US Food and Drug Administration classifies Butyl Hydroxy Toluene as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food preservative when used according in an approved manner. In 1979, the National Cancer Institute determined that Butyl Hydroxy Toluene was noncarcinogenic in a mouse model.

Nevertheless, the World Health Organization discussed a possible link between Butyl Hydroxy Toluene and cancer risk in 1986, and some primary research studies in the 1970s–1990s reported both potential for increased risk and potential for decreased risk in the area of oncology. As well, concern has been expressed regarding a dietary role for Butyl Hydroxy Toluene in asthma and behavioral issues in children. Because of this uncertainty, the Center for Science in the Public Interest puts Butyl Hydroxy Toluene in its "caution" column and recommends avoiding it.

Based on various, disparate primary research reports, Butyl Hydroxy Toluene has been suggested to have anti-viral activity, and the reports divide into various study types. First, there are studies that describe virus inactivation—where treatment with the chemical results in disrupted or otherwise inactivated virus particles. The action of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene in these is akin to the action of many other organic compounds, e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics, and detergents, which disrupt viruses by insertion of the chemical into the virus membrane, coat, or other structure, which are established methods of viral disinfection secondary to methods of chemical oxidation and UV irradiation. In addition, there is a report of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene use, topically against genital herpes lesions, a report of inhibitory activity in vitro against pseudorabies (in cell culture), and two studies, in veterinary contexts, of use of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene to attempt to protect against virus exposure (pseudorabies in mouse and swine, and Newcastle in chickens). The relevance of other reports, regarding influenza in mice, is not easily discerned. Notably, this series of primary research reports does not support a general conclusion of independent confirmation of the original research results, nor are there critical reviews appearing thereafter, in secondary sources, for the various host-virus systems studied with Butyl Hydroxy Toluene.
Hence, at present, the results do not present a scientific consensus in favour of the conclusion of the general antiviral potential of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene when dosed in humans. Moreover, as of March 2020, no guidance from any of the internationally recognized associations of infectious disease specialists had advocated use of Butyl Hydroxy Toluene products as an antiviral therapy or prophylactic.

Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is an organic chemical composed of 4-methylphenol modified with tert-butyl groups at positions 2 and 6. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) inhibits autoxidation of unsaturated organic compounds. Butyl Hydroxy Toluene is used in food, cosmetics and industrial fluids to prevent oxidation and free radical formation.
Butylated hydroxytoluene is a white crystalline solid.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible ameliorating effect of butylated hydroxyl toluene (Butyl hydroxy toluene), associated with ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced oxidative stress and liver injury in mice. The treatment of mice with Fe-NTA alone enhances ornithine decarboxylase activity to 4.6 folds, protein carbonyl formation increased up to 2.9 folds and DNA synthesis expressed in terms of [(3)H] thymidine incorporation increased to 3.2 folds, and antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes decreased to 1.8-2.5 folds, compared with the corresponding saline-treated controls. These changes were reversed significantly (p < 0.001) in animals receiving a pretreatment of Butyl hydroxy toluene. Our data show that Butyl hydroxy toluene can reciprocate the toxic effects of Fe-NTA and can serve as a potent chemopreventive agent.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene is an organic chemical composed of 4-methylphenol modified with tert-butyl groups at positions 2 and 6. Butylated hydroxytoluene (Butyl hydroxy toluene) inhibits autoxidation of unsaturated organic compounds. Butyl hydroxy toluene is used in food, cosmetics and industrial fluids to prevent oxidation and free radical formation.

The metabolism of Butyl hydroxy toluene has been investigated extensively in rabbits, rat, mice and man. The principle routes of metabolism of Butyl hydroxy toluene in all species involve oxidation of the para-methyl and of one, or both, of the tert-butyl substituents. Neither mechanism is mutually exclusive. Oxidation of the methyl-group is catalyzed by the microsomal enzyme, Butyl hydroxy toluene-oxidase and several derivatives including the quinone-methide, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylene-2,5-cyclohexadienone and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2,6-di-tert-butyl-cyclahexe-2,5-dienone have been identified in rat liver. Whereas oxidation of the para-methyl substituent is the major route of metabolism in the rat and rabbit, where Butyl hydroxy toluene-acid accounts for approximately 30% of the dose, some 30-40% of the dose in male and female mice and in man is excreted as metabolites involving oxidation of one or both of the tert-butyl groups. Butyl hydroxy toluene is excreted principally in the urine in man whereas in rodents 50-80% is eliminated in the feces. This is presumed to be due to species differences in the molecular weight threshold for biliary excretion.

A comparative metabolism study of Butyl hydroxy toluene was conducted in mice and rats. In male and female DDY/Slc mice given single oral doses (20 or 500 mg/kg body weight) of Butyl hydroxy toluene labelled with (14)C at the p-methyl group, (14)C was distributed mainly in the stomach, intestines, liver and kidney, and then excreted in the urine, feces and expired air. During the 7 days after treatment, 41-65, 26-50 and 69% of the (14)C dose was excreted in feces, urine and expired air, respectively, and the total recovery was 96-98%. Levels of (14)C in 21 male and 22 female tissues 7 days after treatment were less than 1 ug Butyl hydroxy toluene equivalents/g tissue (ppm) in mice given 20 mg/kg and less than 11 ppm in mice given 500 mg/kg. When [(14)C]Butyl hydroxy toluene was given orally to male mice at 20 mg/kg/day for 10 days, (14)C was rapidly excreted and did not exhibit any tendency to accumulate in any tissues. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses showed that more than 43 metabolites were present in the urine and feces of both species, and all of these were identified to determine metabolic pathways for Butyl hydroxy toluene in mice and rats. Major metabolic reactions of [(14)C]Butyl hydroxy toluene in mice were the oxidation of the p-methyl group attached to the benzene nng and of the tert-butyl groups. The products from the latter reaction were cyclized to some extent by reacting with the adjacent phenolic OH group to give hemiacetals or lactones. The carboxyl derivatives from the p-methyl oxidation were conjugated with glucuronic acid. When single oral doses of 20 or 500 mg [(14)C]Butyl hydroxy toluene/kg were given to male Sprague-Dawley rats, metabolites similar to those in mice were found. However, the major biotransformation was oxidation of the p-methyl group, and oxidation of the tert-butyl groups was a minor reaction in rats.

Pro-oxidative effect of phenolic antioxidant (vitamin E) in combination with the initiators on human low-density lipoprotein is known. /It has been/ reported that oxidative stress induced by vitamin E in combination with the herbicide paraquat enhances structural chromosomal damage in cultured anuran leukocytes. In the present study, the phenolic antioxidant vitamin E-synthetic-analogue 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (Butyl hydroxy toluene) in combination with paraquat was found to enhance structural chromosomal damage in cultured Pelophylax (Rana) nigromaculatus leukocytes more than paraquat only and paraquat plus nicotinamido adenine dinucleotido phosphate served as positive control, although Butyl hydroxy toluene only had no effect on induction of structural chromosomal damage. Paraquat plus Butyl hydroxy toluene-enhanced structural chromosomal damage was inhibited by combination of the superoxide dismutase mimic Mn(III)tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin and the hydrogen peroxide scavenger catalase. In test based on reduction of paraquat cation, Butyl hydroxy toluene was found to reduce paraquat cation chemically to paraquat monocation radical. These results suggest that Butyl hydroxy toluene functions in chemically donating electron to paraquat and thereby induces an acute accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in increase in chromosomal damage.

Promotion of lung tumors in mice by the food additive butylated hydroxytoluene (Butyl hydroxy toluene) is mediated by electrophilic metabolites produced in the target organ. Identifying the proteins alkylated by these quinone methides (QMs) is a necessary step in understanding the underlying mechanisms. Covalent adducts of the antioxidant enzymes peroxiredoxin 6 and Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase were detected previously in lung cytosols from BALB/c mice injected with Butyl hydroxy toluene, and complimentary in vitro studies demonstrated that QM alkylation causes inactivation and enhances oxidative stress. In the present work, adducts of another protective enzyme, carbonyl reductase (CBR), were detected by Western blotting and mass spectrometry in mitochondria from lungs of mice one day after a single injection of Butyl hydroxy toluene and throughout a 28-day period of weekly injections required to achieve tumor promotion. Butyl hydroxy toluene treatment was accompanied by the accumulation of protein carbonyls in lung cytosol from sustained oxidative stress. Studies in vitro demonstrated that CBR activity in lung homogenates was susceptible to concentration- and time-dependent inhibition by QMs. Recombinant CBR underwent irreversible inhibition during QM exposure, and mass spectrometry was utilized to identify alkylation sites at Cys 51, Lys 17, Lys 189, Lys 201, His 28, and His 204. Except for Lys 17, all of these adducts were eliminated as a cause of enzyme inhibition either by chemical modification (cysteine) or site-directed mutagenesis (lysines and histidines). The data demonstrated that Lys 17 is the critical alkylation target, consistent with the role of this basic residue in NADPH binding. These data support the possibility that CBR inhibition occurs in Butyl hydroxy toluene-treated mice, thereby compromising one pathway for inactivating lipid peroxidation products, particularly 4-oxo-2-nonenal. These data, in concert with previous evidence for the inactivation of antioxidant enzymes, provide a molecular basis to explain lung inflammation leading to tumor promotion in this two-stage model for pulmonary carcinogenesis.

Butyl hydroxy toluene, also known as BHT or butylated hydroxytoluene, is a white to pale-yellow, crystalline solid. It has a slightly musty odor and is tasteless. Butyl hydroxy toluene is very slightly soluble in water. USE: Butyl hydroxy toluene is an important commercial chemical used as a preservative in foods, cosmetics and personal care products, paints, inks, animal feeds and many commercial products. EXPOSURE: Workers that use Butyl hydroxy toluene may breathe in mists or have direct skin contact. The general population may be exposed by vapors, skin contact and consumption of food. If Butyl hydroxy toluene is released to the environment, it will be broken down in air. It is expected to be broken down by sunlight. It will move into air from moist soil and water surfaces; however, absorption to soil and sediment will slow this process. It is not expected to move through soil. It will be broken down slowly by microorganisms, and is expected to build up in fish. RISK: Ingestion of Butyl hydroxy toluene at levels found in food has not been associated with any toxic effects. It is considered a "GRAS" (generally recognized as safe) food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mild allergic reactions have been reported in some sensitive individuals (runny nose, headache, flushing, worsening of asthma symptoms). Accidental or intentional ingestion of extremely large amounts of Butyl hydroxy toluene may cause brief dizziness, unsteadiness, slurred speech or loss of consciousness in non-allergic individuals; no permanent effects were observed in these cases. Butyl hydroxy toluene is a slight respiratory irritant in laboratory animals. No other data regarding the potential toxic effects of breathing Butyl hydroxy toluene were available. No evidence of infertility, abortion, or birth defects was observed in laboratory animals exposed to Butyl hydroxy toluene before and/or during pregnancy. Lung and liver tumors developed in some studies with laboratory animals exposed to Butyl hydroxy toluene in feed; however, increased tumors may have been associated with increased life-span in exposed animals (compared to unexposed), rather than exposure to the chemical. No evidence of carcinogenicity was found in other laboratory animal studies, and some studies found that Butyl hydroxy toluene decreased the risk of tumor development. The potential for Butyl hydroxy toluene to cause cancer in humans has not been assessed by the U.S. EPA IRIS program or the U.S. National Toxicology Program 14th Report on Carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer determined that 2.6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans based on lack of human data and limited evidence in laboratory animals. 

Uses of Butyl hydroxy toluene
Butyl hydroxy toluene is used as an antioxidant which finds many applications in a wide variety of industries. It is used in ground vehicle and aviation gasolines; lubricating, turbine, and insulation oils; waxes, synthetic and natural rubbers, paints, plastics, and elastomers. It protects these materials from oxidation during prolonged storage. Highly purified grades are suitable for use in foods to retard oxidation of animal fats, vegetable oils, and oil-soluble vitamins. It is also used in cosmetics and food packaging materials such as waxed paper, paper board, and polyethylene. It is important in delaying the onset of rancidity of oils and fats in animal feeds, and in preserving the essential nutrients and pigment-forming compounds of these foods.
Synthetic antioxidants commonly used in food include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (Butyl hydroxy toluene), propyl gallate (PG), and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ).

A simple electrochemical method was developed for the single and simultaneous determination of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (Butyl hydroxy toluene) in food samples using square-wave voltammetry (SWV). A carbon composite electrode modified (MCCE) with copper (II) phosphate immobilized in a polyester resin was proposed. The modified electrode allowed the detection of BHA and Butyl hydroxy toluene at potentials lower than those observed at unmodified electrodes. A separation of about 430 mV between the peak oxidation potentials of BHA and Butyl hydroxy toluene in binary mixtures was obtained. The calibration curves for the simultaneous determination of BHA and Butyl hydroxy toluene demonstrated an excellent linear response in the range from 3.4x10(-7) to 4.1x10(-5) mol/L for both compounds. The detection limits for the simultaneous determination of BHA and Butyl hydroxy toluene were 7.2x10(-8) and 9.3x10(-8) mol/L, respectively. In addition, the stability and repeatability of the electrode were determined. The proposed method was successfully applied in the simultaneous determination of BHA and Butyl hydroxy toluene in several food samples, and the results obtained were found to be similar to those obtained using the high performance liquid chromatography method with agreement at 95% confidence level.

IDENTIFICATION AND USE of Butyl hydroxy toluene: Butylated hydroxytoluene (Butyl hydroxy toluene) is a white, crystalline, odorless solid. It is used as an antioxidant for fats and oils or in packaging material for fat containing foods. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes and skin. 

ANIMAL STUDIES of Butyl hydroxy toluene: Rats fed high doses of Butyl hydroxy toluene, showed increases in serum cholesterol in both sexes. Groups of weanling rats fed Butyl hydroxy toluene in conjunction with lard supplementation had a reduction in growth rate, especially in males. Butyl hydroxy toluene also increased absolute liver weight and the ratio of liver weight to body weight in both sexes. Butyl hydroxy toluene increased the ratio of left adrenal weight to body weight in male rats but had no consistent effect in female rats. Butyl hydroxy toluene administered to rats for 68-82 days caused reduction in rate of increase in weight and fatty infiltration of the liver. Butyl hydroxy toluene was given in feed of rats and mice of both sex at 3000 or 6000 ppm; in rats 105 wk and 107 or 108 wk in mice. No tumors occurred in either sex of rats and mice. When tested for teratogenic properties Butyl hydroxy toluene produced anophthalmia in offspring in rats, but not in mice. Butyl hydroxy toluene administered to pregnant mice for 18 days along with another group fed Butyl hydroxy toluene for 50 to 64 days including 18 das of pregnancy. No fetal abnormalities were observed. In a study using 144 mice, no blindness was observed in any of the 1162 litters representing 7765 offspring born throughout the reproductive life span of the mothers. Butyl hydroxy toluene was tested for mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsome preincubation assay in 5 Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA1535, TA1537, TA97, TA98, and TA100) in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Butyl hydroxy toluene was negative in these tests and the highest ineffective dose tested in any Salmonella typhimurium strain was 10 mg/plate. 

ECOTOXICITY STUDIES of Butyl hydroxy toluene: In salmon fed graded levels of Butyl hydroxy toluene during a 12-week feeding followed by a 2-week depuration period, Butyl hydroxy toluene selectively modulated toxicological responses in the xenobiotic biotransformation pathways during the feeding period.