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What is BHT?What it's use?

Butylated Hydroxytoluene is added to most foods to preserve fats. It is primarily made from the chemicals p-cresol & isobutylene. P-cresol is a chemical that is a mosquito attractant while isobutylene is a flammable substance one hydrocarbon away from common butane.
It is also known as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene; methyl-di-tert-butylphenol; 2,6-di-tert-butyl-para-cresol. The  Molecular formula C15H24O  and is  a white powder.

BHT  is  antioxidant. Oxygen reacts preferentially with  BHT rather than oxidizing fats or oils, thereby protecting them from spoilage. In addition to being oxidizable, BHT are fat-soluble.  It is  incompatible with ferric salts. In addition to preserving food, BHT is also used to preserve fats and oils in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
 Other uses:
    BHT also prevents oxidative rancidity of fats. It is used to preserve food odor, color, and flavor. Many packaging materials incorporate BHT. It is also added directly to shortening, cereals, and other foods containing fats and oils.
   


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