2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol

Product Introduction

Antioxidant 264 (BHT, CAS No. 128-37-0) is a widely used hindered phenolic antioxidant with excellent free-radical scavenging ability. It is one of the most common general-purpose stabilizers for polymers, rubbers, lubricants, fuels, and industrial materials.

Antioxidant 264 effectively inhibits oxidative degradation, thermal aging, and material discoloration, significantly extending the service life of materials. Due to its low cost, high efficiency, and broad compatibility, it is widely used across plastics, petroleum, and industrial formulation industries.

Chemical Name & Properties

• Chemical Name: 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol
• Common Name: BHT / Antioxidant 264 / T501
• CAS Number: 128-37-0
• Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₄O
• Molecular Weight: 220.35
• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Melting Point: 69–71 °C
• Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents, insoluble in water

Mechanism of Action

Antioxidant 264 acts as a free radical scavenger, working by:

• Terminating oxidative chain reactions
• Neutralizing peroxy radicals (ROO•)
• Preventing polymer and oil oxidation
• Delaying rancidity in organic systems

This helps maintain material stability, color integrity, and mechanical performance.

Key Applications of Antioxidant 264

1.Plastics & Polymers

Widely used in:

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polystyrene (PS)
• ABS
• PVC

Improves processing stability and reduces thermal degradation.

2.Rubber Industry

Used in:

• Natural rubber
• SBR
• NBR
• PU elastomers

Enhances resistance to heat and oxygen aging.

3.Lubricants & Fuels

Applied in:

• Lubricating oils
• Gasoline
• Paraffin wax
• Industrial oils

Prevents viscosity increase and acid number rise during storage and use.

4.Food-Related & Packaging Applications

Used as a stabilizer in:

• Food-grade plastics
• Packaging materials
• Edible oil systems (regulated usage)

Helps delay oxidation and rancidity of oils and fats.

5.Industrial Chemicals

• Industrial intermediates
• Synthetic resin systems
• Coatings and adhesives

Key Advantages

• Excellent antioxidant efficiency
• Low cost, high economic value
• Broad material compatibility
• Non-corrosive and stable
• Effective at low dosage
• Suitable for both polymer and oil systems

Recommended Usage

• Typical dosage: 0.01% – 0.5%
• Can be used alone or combined with:
  • Phosphite antioxidants (e.g., 168)
  • Thioester antioxidants
  • UV stabilizers

Optimized formulation depends on system type and processing conditions.

Research Areas

• Polymer oxidation and degradation mechanisms
• Industrial antioxidant synergy systems
• Fuel and lubricant stabilization chemistry
• Polymer aging and thermal stability studies
• Material science and additive formulation engineering

What is Antioxidant 264 used for?
It is used to prevent oxidation and thermal degradation in plastics, rubber, oils, and fuels.

Is Antioxidant 264 a primary antioxidant?
Yes, it is a primary hindered phenolic antioxidant (BHT).

Why is BHT widely used in industry?
Because it is cost-effective, highly efficient, and broadly compatible with many materials.

Is Antioxidant 264 soluble in water?
No, it is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Can it be used in plastics?
Yes, it is widely used in PE, PP, PS, ABS, and PVC systems.

Can Antioxidant 264 be used with other stabilizers?
Yes, it works synergistically with phosphites, thioesters, and UV stabilizers.

Does it affect color?
At appropriate dosage, it generally provides good stability with minimal discoloration, especially in light-colored systems.

What makes it different from high-end antioxidants like 1010 or 3114?
BHT (264) is a low molecular weight, cost-efficient general antioxidant, while 1010/3114 are high molecular weight long-term stabilizers.