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Send EmailTertiary Butyl Hydroquinone, Mono-tert-butylhydroquinone, Tert-Butylhydroquinone, TBHQ, E319, 1948-33-0
TERT-BUTYLHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ)
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | 2-tert-Butylbenzene-1,4-diol |
| Other Names | TBHQ, Mono-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2-(1,1-Dimethylethyl)-1,4-benzenediol, tert-Butyl-1,4-benzenediol, MTBHQ |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₀H₁₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 166.22 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1948-33-0 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 217-752-2 |
| E Number | E319 (Antioxidant) |
| Chemical Class | Synthetic phenolic antioxidant |
| Appearance | White to light tan crystalline powder |
| Odor | Very slight characteristic odor |
| Physical State | Solid (crystalline powder) |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | ≥ 126.5 °C (typically 127-129 °C) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 273-300 °C |
| Density | 1.050 g/mL |
| Solubility in Water | Practically insoluble |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Soluble |
| Solubility in Other Solvents | Easily soluble in diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, oils |
| pH Sensitivity | Color change may occur under alkaline conditions |
| Flash Point | 171 °C |
| pKa | 10.80 ± 0.18 |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.80 ± 0.18 |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; resistant to high temperatures up to 230°C |
| Metal Ion Compatibility | Does not discolor in presence of iron or copper |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases |
| Decomposition | Begins to decompose above 300°C |
SECTION 4: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Synthetic antioxidant; prevents oxidation and rancidity in oils and fats |
| Antioxidant Efficiency | Generally 2-5 times more effective than BHA and BHT in vegetable oils |
| Temperature Resistance | Stable up to 230°C; suitable for frying applications |
| Sensory Impact | Does not affect taste, odor, or color of food products |
| Compatibility with Other Antioxidants | Can be used in combination with BHA, BHT, PG |
SECTION 5: FOOD INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS (E319)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Oils and Fats | Soybean, sunflower, canola oils; prevents oxidation, extends shelf life |
| Frying Oils | Used in deep frying due to high temperature stability |
| Snack Foods | Chips, crackers, biscuits, and other fatty products |
| Instant Noodles | Used to prevent oil oxidation |
| Baked Goods | Bread, cakes, cookies, crackers |
| Meat and Meat Products | Prevents oil oxidation in processed meat products |
| Sauces and Condiments | Mayonnaise, sauces, mustard |
| Chewing Gum | Up to 400 mg/kg allowed |
| Cocoa and Chocolate Products | Up to 200 mg/kg allowed |
| Dried/Processed Foods | Dehydrated potatoes, soup mixes |
SECTION 6: NON-FOOD APPLICATIONS
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Antioxidant and preservative in oil-based products |
| Fragrances | Fixative; reduces evaporation and improves stability |
| Biodiesel | Antioxidant; prevents oxidation |
| Varnishes and Resins | Stabilizer to inhibit autopolymerization |
| Plastics and Rubber | Antioxidant and stabilizer |
| Photography | Photographic developer in Polaroid films |
SECTION 7: REGULATORY STATUS AND SAFETY LIMITS
| Authority | Status | Maximum Usage Limit |
|---|---|---|
| FDA (USA) | Approved as GRAS (1972) | 200 mg/kg (based on fat) |
| EFSA (EU) | Approved as E319 (2004) | 200 mg/kg (based on fat) |
| JECFA (FAO/WHO) | Approved | 0-0.7 mg/kg body weight/day (ADI) |
| Turkey | Approved in Turkish Food Codex | 200 mg/kg |
| Codex Alimentarius | Approved (INS 319) | 200 mg/kg (based on fat) |
SECTION 8: MAXIMUM USAGE LIMITS BY FOOD CATEGORY
| Food Category | Maximum Limit (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oils and fats | 200 |
| Animal fats (lard, fish oil, etc.) | 200 |
| Bread and rolls | 200 |
| Biscuits and crackers | 200 |
| Processed meat products | 100 |
| Soups and broths | 200 |
| Sauces and similar products | 200 |
| Ready-to-eat snacks | 200 |
| Chewing gum | 400 |
| Cocoa and chocolate products | 200 |
SECTION 9: SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Oral LD50 (Rat) | > 790 mg/kg |
| NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) | 72 mg/kg/day |
| ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) | 0-0.7 mg/kg body weight/day |
SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND HAZARD INFORMATION
| Hazard Class | Category |
|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity (Oral) | Category 4 (H302) |
| Acute Toxicity (Dermal) | Category 4 (H312) |
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 (H315) |
| Serious Eye Irritation | Category 2 (H319) |
| Skin Sensitizer | Category 1 (H317) |
| Aquatic Toxicity (Acute) | Category 1 (H400) |
| Aquatic Toxicity (Chronic) | Category 1 (H410) |
| Signal Word | Warning |
SECTION 11: HAZARD STATEMENTS
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
SECTION 12: PURITY SPECIFICATIONS (EU REGULATION 231/2012)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay | Not less than 99.0% (C₁₀H₁₄O₂) |
| Melting Point | Not lower than 126.5 °C |
| tert-Butyl-p-benzoquinone | Not more than 0.2% |
| 2,5-Di-tert-butyl hydroquinone | Not more than 0.2% |
| Hydroquinone | Not more than 0.1% |
| Toluene | Not more than 25 mg/kg |
| Lead (Pb) | Not more than 2 mg/kg |
| Heavy Metals | Not more than 10 mg/kg |
SECTION 13: IDENTIFICATION TESTS
| Test | Procedure | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Phenolics | Dissolve ~5 mg sample in 10 ml methanol, add 10.5 ml dimethylamine solution (1:4) | Red to pink color develops |
| Melting Point | Capillary tube method | ≥ 126.5 °C |
| Solubility | Solubility test in water and ethanol | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol |
SECTION 14: TOXICOLOGICAL FINDINGS
| Finding | Description |
|---|---|
| Carcinogenicity | EFSA (2004) concluded not carcinogenic. JECFA (1997) found no genotoxic effects. FDA approved as GRAS |
| High Dose Effects (Animal) | Very high doses associated with stomach tumor precursors and DNA damage |
| Immune System | High doses may affect immune function. Some studies report immunotoxic effects |
| Neuroprotective Effect | Neuroprotective potential via Nrf2 pathway (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke) |
| ADI Not Exceeded | 2016 EFSA assessment confirmed ADI was not exceeded in any population group |
SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area (<30°C) |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, original packaging |
| Protect From | Moisture, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months (unopened original packaging) |
| Color Stability | Does not discolor in presence of iron or copper |
SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg package | 1 kg | Retail/industrial use |
| 5 kg package | 5 kg | Industrial use |
| 25 kg package | 25 kg | Industrial use |
SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes (H400/H410) |
SECTION 18: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Combustible organic solid |
| Flash Point | 171 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 457 °C |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Water mist, CO₂, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam |
| Specific Hazards | When heated, emits CO, CO₂, toxic fumes |
| Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
SECTION 19: ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE AND CLEANUP
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Nitrile gloves, protective goggles, dust mask (N95) |
| Cleaning Methods | Collect mechanically (sweep or spatula) |
| Environmental Precautions | Prevent entry into drains, soil, and surface waters |
| Waste Disposal | According to local regulations; incineration or landfilling at licensed facilities |
SECTION 20: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL NOTES
Product Summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) |
| CAS Number | 1948-33-0 |
| E Number | E319 |
| Appearance | White to light tan crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | ≥ 126.5 °C |
| Molecular Weight | 166.22 g/mol |
| Primary Function | Food antioxidant, preservative |
| ADI | 0-0.7 mg/kg body weight/day |
Critical Notes
-
Effective Antioxidant: TBHQ is a highly effective synthetic antioxidant for vegetable oils and fats, generally 2-5 times more effective than BHA and BHT.
-
Thermal Stability: Stable at frying temperatures (up to 230°C), making it ideal for frying oils and fried foods.
-
Sensory Neutrality: Does not affect taste, odor, or color of food. Does not discolor in presence of iron or copper.
-
Regulatory Status: Approved by FDA (GRAS), EFSA (E319), and JECFA. Safe within regulated usage limits.
-
Safety Assessment: EFSA (2004) concluded it is not carcinogenic. JECFA (1997) found no genotoxic effects. 2016 EFSA assessment confirmed ADI was not exceeded in any population group.
-
Health Concerns at High Doses: Animal studies show adverse effects only at significantly higher doses. Toxicity is dose-dependent.
-
Cosmetic Use: Used as antioxidant in cosmetic products.
-
Neuroprotective Potential: Research has shown neuroprotective potential via Nrf2 activation for neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke).
-
Halal Status: No religious restriction for consumption.
-
Commonly Found In: Vegetable oils, fried foods, chips, instant noodles, chewing gum, baked goods.
IMPORTANT DECLARATION: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
