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E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant widely used in food.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is contained in pastry, it can induce sensitization in caterers.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant, widely used as a preservative and fat stabilizer in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
CAS Number: 25013-16-5
Molecular Formula: C11H16O2
Molecular Weight: 180.24354
EINECS Number: 246-563-8
Synonyms: 25013-16-5, tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, Butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA, Butyl hydroxyanisole, Butyl hydroxyanisolum, 2(3)-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3-tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 2-tert-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 3-tert-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxyphenol, 4-methoxy-2-tert-butylphenol, phenol, tert-butyl-4-methoxy-, phenol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxy-, p-methoxy-o-tert-butylphenol, o-tert-butyl-p-methoxyphenol, tert-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole, tert-butylhydroxyanisole, tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 4-hydroxy-3-tert-butylanisole, 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3-BHA, E320, E-320, INS-320, INS NO.320, EEC No. E320, Tenox BHA, Nipantiox 1-F, Nipantiox 1F, Sustane 1-F, Sustane 1F, Protex, Antioxyne B, Embranox, BOA (antioxidant), FEMA No. 2183, DTXSID7020215, DTXCID701285159, 246-563-8, 204-442-7, UNII-62RAC24292, HSDB 2750, CCris 3746, CAS-121-00-6, CAS-25013-16-5, butylhydroxyanisole standard(mixture of isomers);2(3)-t-Butylhydroquinone monomethyl ether BHA;Butylated hydroxyanisole ,98.5%;tert-Butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (mixture of 2- and 3-isomer);Butylated hydroxyanisole 1g [25013-16-5];tert-BUTYLHYDROXYANISOLE TECH;Butylated Hydroxyanisole, Flakes, NF;Butylated hydroxyanisole, 96% 100GR
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is designed to prevent oxidation of fats and oils.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) belongs to the class of substituted phenols.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a mixture of two isomeric compounds (2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole).
These structures contain a phenolic hydroxyl group and a tert-butyl substituent.
This gives strong antioxidant activity.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid or crystalline powder.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is lipophilic (fat-soluble) and only slightly soluble in water.
It has a faint aromatic odor.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) exhibits strong antioxidant properties, preventing oxidation of fats and oils.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) inhibits formation of rancid flavors and odors.
This extends shelf life.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is effective at low concentrations, especially in lipid-rich systems.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) protects foods from oxidative degradation.
This improves product stability.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) shows synergistic effects with other antioxidants, such as BHT (E321) and citric acid.
Combined use enhances protective performance.
This increases efficiency.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is chemically stable under normal processing conditions, including moderate heating.
However, E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) may degrade under strong oxidation or prolonged high heat.
Proper storage is required.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is best described as a synthetic fat-soluble antioxidant used to prevent rancidity and oxidative spoilage in food and industrial products, especially in lipid-containing systems.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) also shows strong effectiveness in very low concentrations (ppm range), meaning only small amounts are needed to inhibit oxidation.
This makes it economically efficient.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is widely used for cost-effective preservation.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is particularly effective in preventing oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, which are highly prone to rancidity.
It protects sensitive lipid structures.
This improves food quality.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) can provide surface-level protection in food packaging materials, where it migrates slowly into fats.
This helps stabilize packaged foods over time.
This extends shelf life.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) demonstrates thermal resilience during short processing steps like baking and frying, retaining activity after heat exposure.
This makes it suitable for processed foods.
It improves processing compatibility.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has moderate volatility resistance, meaning it does not easily evaporate during storage.
This ensures long-lasting antioxidant activity.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) can be used in animal feed fats and oils, preventing oxidative damage during storage and transport.
Melting point: 58–60 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 264–270 °C
Density: 0.9976 (rough estimate)
Vapor density: 6.2 (vs air)
Refractive index: 1.4910 (estimate)
FEMA: 2183 | Butylated hydroxyanisole
Flash point: >230 °F
Storage temperature: 2–8 °C
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; soluble in methanol; freely soluble in ≥50% aqueous ethanol, propylene glycol, chloroform, ether, hexane, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, glyceryl monooleate, and lard; also soluble in alkali hydroxide solutions
Form: Crystalline flakes or crystals
Color: White to pale yellow
Odor: Mild rubbery
Odor type: Rubbery
Biological source: Synthetic
Water solubility: <0.1 g/100 mL at 18.5 °C
Merck index: 14,1547
Henry’s law constant: 8.4 × 10⁰ mol/(m³·Pa) at 25 °C (HSDB, 2015)
Stability: Stable, combustible; incompatible with oxidizing agents and ferric salts; degrades upon prolonged exposure to sunlight
Cosmetic ingredient functions: Antioxidant; fragrance
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Butylated hydroxyanisole (CAS 25013-16-5)
InChI: 1S/C11H16O2/c1-11(2,3)9-7-8(13-4)5-6-10(9)12/h5-7,12H,1-4H3
InChIKey: WYEIRNDSZQKIDQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: O(C)c1cc(c(cc1)O)C(C)(C)C
LogP: 3.00
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are monohydric phenolic antioxidants that, prior to their introduction and acceptance in the food industry, were used to protect petroleum against oxidative degumming.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a mixture of two isomers, 3-tertiary-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (90%) and 2-tertiary-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (10%).
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and BHT assert a good carry-through effect, although BHA is slightly better than BHT in this respect.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is, however, more effective in suppressing oxidation of animal fats than vegetable oils.
Among its multiple applications, E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is particularly useful in protecting the flavors and color of essential oils and is considered the most effective of all food-approved antioxidants for this application.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is particularly effective in controlling the oxidation of short-chain fatty acids, such as those found in coconut and palm kernel oils that are used typically in cereal and confectionary products.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) works by interrupting free radical chain reactions in lipid oxidation.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) donates hydrogen atoms from its phenolic group.
This stops propagation of rancidity reactions.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is highly lipophilic, meaning it dissolves well in fats and oils rather than water.
This allows it to protect lipid-rich foods effectively.
It concentrates where oxidation occurs.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is often used in mixtures with BHT (E321) to improve antioxidant performance.
The combination provides broader stability across processing conditions.
This enhances overall protection.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is effective in both food and non-food lipid systems, including packaging materials and animal feed fats.
It prevents oxidative spoilage in stored fats.
This extends usability.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) can exhibit heat stability during frying and processing, making it useful in high-temperature applications.
However, prolonged heating can reduce its activity.
This affects long-term performance.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) shows carry-through effect, meaning it remains active in the final product after processing (e.g., baking or frying).
This ensures continued protection during storage.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)may have interactions with metals and oxygen, where it preferentially reacts to protect fats.
This reduces oxidative damage in complex systems.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is also used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially in oils, lipsticks, and creams.
It prevents rancidity of natural oils.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has low volatility, so it does not easily evaporate during processing or storage.
This helps maintain effectiveness over time.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a lipid-soluble synthetic antioxidant with strong radical-scavenging ability, thermal stability, and wide use in food, cosmetic, and industrial fat protection systems.
It shows synergy with emulsifiers and acids, improving distribution in complex food systems.
This enhances uniform protection.
This improves formulation efficiency.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is also used in rubber and petroleum products, where it prevents oxidative degradation of polymers.
It stabilizes industrial materials.
This extends material lifespan.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) may undergo slow degradation under strong UV light or extreme oxidative environments.
However, it remains stable under typical storage conditions.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a highly efficient, lipophilic synthetic antioxidant with strong radical inhibition, thermal tolerance, and broad application in food, feed, cosmetic, and industrial lipid protection systems.
Uses:
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant that imparts stability to fats and oils and should be added before oxidation has started.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a mixture of 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 2-tertbutyl-4-hydroxyanisole.
In direct addition, the fat or oil is heated to 60–70°C and the BHA is added slowly under vigorous agitation.
The maximum concentration is 0.02% based on the weight of the fat or oil.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) may protect the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used singly or in combination with other antioxidants.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used in cereals, edible fat, vegetable oil, confectionary products, and rice.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant consisting of a mixture of two isomers of tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used in food preservation as it antioxidant properties pre vent food from becoming rancid.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is also used in animal feed, petroleum products, and cosmetics.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is widely used in the food industry as a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
It prevents oxidation of fats and oils in many processed foods.
In snack foods such as chips, crackers, and cereals, it helps prevent rancidity during storage.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) maintains flavor stability over time.
This improves product quality.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used in edible oils, shortenings, and fats, where it protects against oxidative degradation.
It slows down formation of off-flavors and odors.
This improves storage stability.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is applied in meat products and processed meats to reduce lipid oxidation.
It helps preserve color and taste.
This improves freshness.
In baked goods, it provides stability against fat oxidation during and after baking.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) remains active after processing.
This extends shelf life.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is widely used in animal feed fats and premixes to protect nutrients from oxidation.
It preserves feed quality during storage.
This improves nutritional value.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is also used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as lipsticks, creams, and lotions.
It prevents rancidity of oils and fats in formulations.
This improves product stability.
In pharmaceutical products, it is used to stabilize fat-containing formulations and active ingredients.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) helps maintain chemical integrity.
This supports drug stability.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is applied in industrial materials such as rubber, plastics, and petroleum products.
It prevents oxidative degradation of polymers and lubricants.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used wherever oxidation control, fat stabilization, and shelf-life extension are required across food, feed, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is also used in packaged foods with long shelf life, such as instant noodles and dehydrated meals.
It protects fats during long storage periods.
This improves product stability.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is applied in frozen foods, where it helps prevent oxidation of fats even under low-temperature storage.
It maintains flavor quality after thawing.
This improves consumer experience.
In fried food systems and fast food ingredients, E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) helps reduce oxidative breakdown of frying oils.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) slows rancidity during repeated heating cycles.
This extends oil usability.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used in seasonings and spice blends containing oils or fat-based carriers.
It prevents oxidation of flavor compounds.
This preserves aroma and taste.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is applied in confectionery products such as chocolate and filled sweets to stabilize fat components.
It reduces fat bloom and rancid notes.
This improves appearance and flavor.
In cosmetic oils and fragrance systems, it protects sensitive lipids and aromatic compounds.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) prevents odor degradation over time.
This improves product stability.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used in pharmaceutical ointments and creams containing lipid-based carriers.
It stabilizes active ingredients and excipients.
This supports formulation integrity.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is also used in pet food products, especially those containing fats and oils.
It prevents rancidity during storage and transport.
This maintains nutritional quality.
In industrial applications, it is used in lubricants, rubber, and plastics.
It prevents oxidative aging and material breakdown.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is used wherever lipid oxidation control, long-term stability, and preservation of fats, oils, and aromatic compounds are required across food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, feed, and industrial systems.
Safety Profile:
Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, and tumorigenic data.
Moderately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes.
Experimental reproductive effects, mutation data reported.
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid and irritating fumes.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) presents moderate hazard potential, depending on dose and exposure route, despite its controlled use as a food additive.
It is approved for use within strict regulatory limits.
However, toxicological concerns exist at high or long-term exposure levels.
Skin contact may cause mild irritation or sensitization in some individuals.
Repeated exposure can increase sensitivity.
Protective gloves are recommended in industrial handling.
Eye contact can cause moderate irritation, including redness, tearing, and discomfort.
Direct contact should be avoided.
Immediate rinsing with water is required if exposure occurs.
Inhalation of dust or vapors may cause respiratory irritation.
Fine particles can irritate the nose and throat.
Adequate ventilation and dust control are recommended.
Ingestion at approved food levels is considered safe by regulatory agencies, but high doses in experimental settings have shown potential toxic and carcinogenic concerns in animals.
This is why usage is strictly regulated.
Excess intake should be avoided.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has been classified in some evaluations as a possible carcinogen (Group 2B by IARC) based on animal studies.
Human risk at dietary levels is considered low under regulated use.
Still, exposure limits are strictly controlled.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) may cause liver and kidney effects at high doses in animal studies.
These effects are dose-dependent and not typical at food levels.
E320 butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is not highly flammable, but as an organic compound it can contribute to combustion under fire conditions.
