Why BHA and BHT are used.
Both BHA and BHT are used to preserve the few natural ingredients found within many hygiene products. These chemicals have antioxidant properties meaning
that they prevent oxidation reactions because of this quality they are used as preservatives. This prevents natural chemicals including fats and oils, which are found in personal care products, from becoming rancid when being exposed to oxygen. These antioxidants are superior to other preservatives as they are able to function at higher temperatures than others. BHT is occasionally used to treat genital herpies however for medical uses the doses are higher and can cause other health problems.
that they prevent oxidation reactions because of this quality they are used as preservatives. This prevents natural chemicals including fats and oils, which are found in personal care products, from becoming rancid when being exposed to oxygen. These antioxidants are superior to other preservatives as they are able to function at higher temperatures than others. BHT is occasionally used to treat genital herpies however for medical uses the doses are higher and can cause other health problems.
Alternatives To BHA and BHT
BHA and BHT are specifically used to preserve fats and oils and there are substitute chemicals that are more natural and provide the same effects. Vitamin E is a much greener alternative as it appears naturally in the environment and can be extracted from various sources such as wheat germ, sunflower and safflower oils. Vitamin E has similar properties such that it is also an antioxidant and has the same preservative qualities as BHA and BHT. Vitamin E would only need to be extracted from the sources and it would not have to undergo any reactions to be formed, therefore eliminating hazardous by-products. Vitamin E is overall much better for our health and the environment compared to BHA and BHT.
Name and Properties:
Common Name: Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
IUPAC name: (2R)-2,5,7,8-Tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)]-6-chromanol
Molecular Formula: C29H50O2
Molar Mass: 430.71 g/mol
Appearance: Brown viscous Fluid (similar to honey)
State at room temperature: Liquid
Boiling point: 200–220 °C
Functional Groups: Benzene ring, Hydroxyl group, Ether group
Common Name: Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
IUPAC name: (2R)-2,5,7,8-Tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)]-6-chromanol
Molecular Formula: C29H50O2
Molar Mass: 430.71 g/mol
Appearance: Brown viscous Fluid (similar to honey)
State at room temperature: Liquid
Boiling point: 200–220 °C
Functional Groups: Benzene ring, Hydroxyl group, Ether group