What is E 321. Synthetic antioxidants butylhydroxyanisole, butylhydroxytoluene and tert-butylhydroquinone. Effect of the supplement on the body

BUTYL HYDROXYTOLUENE, “IONOL” E321

Butylated hydroxytoluene is mainly used as an antioxidant food additive E321, and also as an antioxidant additive in cosmetics, drugs, jet fuel, rubber and petroleum products, and electrical transformer oils. In addition, the E321 supplement has an antiviral effect, especially against the herpes virus in combination with L-lysine and vitamin C.
The E321 additive, as a synthetic analogue of vitamin E, exhibits its antioxidant properties by inhibiting the processes of autoxidation of unsaturated organic compounds with atmospheric oxygen and other peroxide radicals.
Since 1970, the E321 additive has been replaced in many countries by the E320 additive.
Butylated hydroxytoluene is thought to cause hyperactivity in some children and may also increase the risk of cancer. But disputes on this matter continue to this day. The additive is approved for use in the food industry in the CIS countries.
In the Russian Federation it is allowed according to technical regulations (see below Hygienic standards).

Technological functions Preservative, acidity regulator.

Synonyms Butyloxytoluene, butylated oxytoluene, BOT, agidol, dibunol; English: butylhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxytoluene, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, BHT, butylhydroxytoluol; German: Di-tertiar-butyl-p-Kresol, BHT; French: hydroxytoluene de butyle.

CAS No. 128-37-0

Empirical formula C15H240

Molecular mass 220,35

Structural formula of BUTYL HYDROXYTOLUENE, IONOL E321

Organoleptic properties White crystalline powder with a very slight odor
Physicochemical characteristics melting point 69.7°C, boiling point 265°C; BOT can sublimate from hot fat. highly soluble in acetone; moderately soluble in alcohol, fats, oils; insoluble in water, glycerin, propylene glycol.

Preparation by alkylation of para-cresol with isobutylene. Impurities: other isomers.

Specifications BUTYL HYDROXYTOLUENE, IONOL E321

Metabolism and toxicity Currently being tested because The effect of BOT in the forestomach of rats and its tolerance to humans have not yet been clarified. In some tests, BOT exhibits anticarcinogenic activity; in the liver it is partially oxidized to benzoic acid derivatives, which are excreted in the urine in the form of glucuronides.

Hygienic standards ADI 0.125 mg/kg body weight per day (temporary).

There are no dangers according to GN-98.

Codex: allowed in 23 standards for animal and vegetable fats and oils up to 100-200 mg/kg. In the Russian Federation it is allowed in rendered animal fats and vegetable oils for use in production food products using high temperature, fats and oils for frying (frying, cooking and confectionery fats), lard, beef, lamb, poultry, fish fat in an amount of up to 100 mg/kg of product fat; in chewing gum, biologically active food additives in amounts up to 400 mg/kg of product fat (clause 3.4.4. SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03)
The use of BOT in an amount of 0.01-0.02% is a good antioxidant for fats of animal origin, rendered, culinary and confectionery fats both before and after high-temperature processing, such as baking or frying (shows an “absolute distribution effect” in fat-containing foods) . As the dose increases, the effectiveness remains the same. Synergistic enhancement can be achieved by mixing BOT with other antioxidants and/or synergists; the most effective are considered to be mixtures of BOT with BOA in a 1:1 ratio and with acids - citric or phosphoric.

Commodity Forms B pure form 99% pure or in the form of mixtures with other antioxidants and synergists.

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General characteristics and receipt

Additive E321 ( chemical name- butylated hydroxytoluene, abbreviated in Russian - BOT, in international transcription - butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT). The main function of the substance, regardless of the industry, is to prevent oxidative processes in fat-like substances (lipids).

To obtain butyloxytoluene, the alkylation reaction of para-cresol with isobutylene and some other by chemical means. In this case, the catalyst (accelerator) of the reaction is sulfuric acid.

The second option for the formation of the substance in laboratory conditions involves the use of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol. The latter undergoes hydroxymethylation or aminomethylation followed by hydrolysis.

Less commonly, the industry uses a natural method for obtaining the E321 additive. For example, the phytoplankton Botryococcus braunii and species of cyanobacteria form this substance during their life processes. However, such a process is considered less profitable than its synthetic production.

The properties of the E321 supplement are in many ways similar to vitamin E, which is obtained using chemical reactions in the laboratory. The main advantage over natural vitamin– stability under temperature conditions. This is why butyloxytoluene is used in the food industry - whatever the production process, the product will not oxidize at any temperature.

The physical properties of the antioxidant butyloxytoluene are as follows:

  • the substance has good solubility in acetone;
  • the additive can be dissolved in alcohols, fats and oils;
  • dissolve a substance in aqueous solution it is forbidden;
  • poor solubility of the additive is typical for glycerin and propylene glycol;
  • the most common form of the additive is a white powder in the form of small crystals, less commonly you can find the substance in the form of a waxy mass of a yellowish tint;
  • the smell and taste of the additive are weak.

Purpose

IN chemical reactions food additive E321 acts as an antioxidant. Thanks to it, it is possible to slow down or completely prevent the processes of autoxidation of unsaturated organic compounds with atmospheric oxygen and other peroxide radicals.

Most often, the food additive E321 is used in the manufacture of products that contain vegetable and animal oils, which, due to their specific nature, production process exposed to high temperatures. Butylated hydroxytoluene is not only included in products to prevent putrefactive processes that develop when lipid components in products come into contact with oxygen, but also for the treatment of packaging materials. The latter allows you to extend the shelf life of the product, as well as maintain its attractive appearance, taste and aroma longer. The latter is especially true for confectionery products that contain vegetable and animal fats.

Impact on the health of the human body: benefits and harms

The food additive E321 is approved in many countries. However, this does not mean that it can be used without risk to health.

From the 70s to today it is carried out a large number of research regarding its negative impact on the human body. Among the negative effects caused by the use of the substance are the following:

  • hyperactivity in children, in some cases developing into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The disease manifests itself in childhood in the form of increased irritability, inability to concentrate for a long time on performing various tasks, excessive impulsiveness, poor memorization of information;
  • In adults, systematic use of the E321 supplement in high concentrations can cause eating disorders - diarrhea, bloating, nausea and vomiting;
  • butylated hydroxytoluene can cause endocrine (hormonal) diseases. As a result, the synthesis of the female sex hormone estrogen increases, while the formation of the male sex hormone testosterone decreases;
  • various types of intoxication, since the substance in high concentrations cannot be utilized by the liver.

Reliable scientific data about positive impact food additive E321 on human body are missing.

Application

Despite possible Negative consequences, the E321 additive is included not only in food products. Due to its antioxidant properties, the substance is used:

  • in pharmacology when creating lipid-based drugs to prevent their oxidation upon contact with air;
  • as a component of jet engine fuel;
  • in the manufacture of rubber and petroleum products;
  • as part of transformer oils;
  • in medicine as an anti-burn and anti-inflammatory agent for external use;
  • for the treatment of certain types of cancer tumors, radiation and trophic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
  • in combination with L-lysine and vitamin C as an antiviral agent (most effective in treating the herpes virus).

Table. The norm for the content of the food additive E321 butyloxytoluene in products is in accordance with SanPiN 2.3.2.1293-03 dated May 26, 2008.

Food product

Maximum level of E321 content in products, mg/kg

Animal fats, melted fats and vegetable oils for use in the production of food products using high temperatures

Dried meat

Dry mixes (concentrates) for muffins and cakes

Cereal-based breakfast cereals

Dry soup and broth concentrates

Sauces and seasonings

Processed nuts

Chewing gum

Biologically active food additives

400 (per product fat)

Dry potatoes

Legislation

Nutritional supplement E321 is allowed to be used in the food industry of Russia and Ukraine, as well as in most CIS countries, but in strictly regulated quantities.

Butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT, ionol, dibunol, agidol-1, E321.

Formula (CH3)(tert-C4H9)2C6H2OH.

In its pure form it is a white powder. Technical ionol is a yellow powder.

It is used as an antioxidant in the production of food products, lubricating oils, rubbers, plastics, etc.

It is also the starting compound for the synthesis of various derivatives of sterically hindered phenols, many of which have biological activity or are used in industry.

Butylated hydroxytoluene is an E321 food additive used in the food industry as an antioxidant (a substance that inhibits oxidation processes). The technical name of the substance is ionol. The abbreviation BHT from English is also widely used butylated hydroxytoluene.

Chemical molecular formula additives E321: C 15 H 24 O. According to their physical properties butylated hydroxytoluene is a white crystalline powder that is poorly soluble in water (1 mg/l), but exhibits lipophilic (fat-soluble) properties.

In industry, the E321 additive is produced by the reaction of para-cresol with isobutylene. The process is catalyzed by sulfuric acid.

  • CH 3 (C 6 H 4)OH + 2 CH 2 =C(CH 3) 2 → ((CH 3)3C)2CH 3 C 6 H 2 OH

There is also an alternative method for producing butylated hydroxytoluene from 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol by hydroxymethylation or aminomethylation followed by hydrolysis.

Butylated hydroxytoluene is mainly used as an antioxidant food additive E321, and also as an antioxidant additive in cosmetics, drugs, jet fuel, rubber and petroleum products, and electrical transformer oils. In addition, the E321 supplement has an antiviral effect, especially against the herpes virus in combination with L-lysine and vitamin C.

The additive E321 has its antioxidant properties, as synthetic analogue vitamin E, manifests itself by inhibiting the processes of autoxidation of unsaturated organic compounds with atmospheric oxygen and other peroxide radicals.

Since 1970, the E321 additive has been replaced in many countries by the E320 additive.

Is it believed that butylated hydroxytoluene? Causes hyperactivity in some children and also increases the risk of cancer. But disputes on this matter continue to this day.

The additive is approved for use in the food industry in the CIS countries.

As a result of the research, as well as a series of tests and experiments, scientists came to the conclusion that the chemical properties of the food antioxidant E321 Butylhydroxytoluene can be harmful to human health. It is for this reason that the food antioxidant E321 Butylhydroxytoluene was given the status of an “unsafe” food additive. However, despite possible harm food antioxidant E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene continues to be successfully used by both domestic and foreign manufacturers of food products.

It is interesting that the food antioxidant E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene is a synthetic analogue of vitamin E, which is beneficial for living organisms. As a rule, the food antioxidant E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene is used as an antioxidant. The chemically active compound butylated hydroxytoluene, contained in antioxidant E321, allows you to inhibit the natural oxidation processes of organic substances, which begin to oxidize under the influence of air and peroxide radicals. As a result of the natural oxidation process, finished food products lose their taste and consumer qualities.

In the chemical industry, another name for the food antioxidant E321 Butylhydroxytoluene is often found - ionol. In my own way appearance food antioxidant E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene is not much different from similar in composition and chemical properties connections. This crystalline substance is not soluble in water or glycerin. However, the antioxidant E321 dissolves perfectly in fat-containing solutions and acetone. In addition, the compound is distinguished by its weak but characteristic odor.

Harmful food antioxidant E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene

The dangers of the food antioxidant E321 Butylhydroxytoluene were first discussed back in the 70s of the last century, when the carcinogenic and toxic properties of the compound were discovered. Around the same time, many countries stopped using the antioxidant E321 and replaced it with the food additive E320, which was similar in structure and identical in chemical properties. It is noteworthy that there is not only harm from the food antioxidant E321 Butylhydroxytoluene, but also benefit.

In small quantities, and also in combination with vitamin C or L-lysine, the antioxidant E321 begins to act as a powerful antibacterial and antiviral Chemical substance. The minimum permissible dose of butylated hydroxytoluene for a healthy person is 0.125 mg per kilogram of body weight. In case of an overdose of a substance, serious consequences arise in the form of the formation and development of malignant cancers.

Currently, the food antioxidant E321 Butylhydroxytoluene is prohibited from being used in Russian Federation, in the European Union, USA, and Asia. However, in Ukraine they continue to use a dangerous antioxidant in the process of manufacturing food products. The most common food antioxidant E321 Butylhydroxytoluene is found in chemical composition baked goods such as crackers or crispbread. In addition, an unsafe food additive may be contained in vegetable or ghee oil, fats of animal origin (fish, beef or lamb fat), as well as in chewing gum.



E 321 occupies a special place among phenolic antioxidants. This is a synthetic analogue of vital vitamin E.

Why do many doctors and scientists insist on banning artificial tocopherol? Let's try to figure it out.

Butylated hydroxytolulol is the official term established by GOST 55517–2013.

International name- butylated hydroxytoluene (abbreviated as BHT).

The code in the European system of food additives is E 321 (another spelling is E-321).

Synonyms may occur:

  • BOT (short name);
  • butyloxytoluene;
  • butylated oxytolulol;
  • agidol-1, ionol, technical terms;
  • dibunol, in medicine;
  • Di-tertiar-butyl-p-Kreso, German name;
  • hydroxytoluene de butyle, French version.

Type of substance

Butylated hydroxytolulol can be naturally produced by the algae Botryococcus braunii and some species of cyanobacteria.

Properties

Index Standard values
Color white
Compound butylated hydroxytoluene; empirical formula C 15 H 24 O
Appearance fine crystalline powder
Smell no or slightly noticeable phenolic
Solubility almost insoluble in water 1 mg/l); bad in alkaline solutions; good in fats, alcohols, ethers, organic liquids
Main substance content 99%
Taste absent
Melting temperature 70 0 C
Other resistant to high temperatures

Package

Additive E 321 is packaged in bags made of dense polyethylene intended for food products. After which the substance is packaged in winding drums made of multi-layer cardboard. Container volume - 25 kg.

For small quantities of product (up to 1 kg), foil bags are used. They must be sealed.

Application

Food additive E 321 is approved for use in all countries.

Its antioxidant properties are high: the substance delays peroxidation even when the product is exposed to UV rays.

Butylated hydroxytolulol has antimicrobial effect. To achieve the effect, 0.01–0.02% of the synthetic product is sufficient.

These factors have become determining for the use of the additive in various areas of human activity.

Food production

The Codex Alimentarius allows labor protection in 23 standards. Permitted rate- from 100 to 200 mg per 1 kg of finished product. The domestic food industry uses butylated hydroxytolulol in the following products:

  • ghee for culinary purposes, including frying;
  • bakery products (crackers, diet bread);
  • chewing gum;
  • biologically active food additives (up to 400 mgkg of fat contained in the product);
  • animal fats (up to 100 mg/kg);
  • bouillon cubes;
  • beer;
  • canned meat and fish;
  • processed cheeses.

Often the food additive E 321 is used in conjunction with. Substances with similar effects enhance each other's properties.

Cosmetology

Under the abbreviated name BOT, the antioxidant can be found in most decorative cosmetics:

  • lipstick;
  • moisturizing and whitening creams;
  • liquid powder;
  • tanning products.

Medicine

The substance has proven itself well as antiseptic. The food additive E 321 is included in products for external treatment of the skin for radiation sickness, burns, and trophic ulcers.

Until recently, an antioxidant called dibunol was used for chemotherapy for certain types of cancer.

A number of scientists suggest that the combination of butylated hydroxytolulene and (or L-lysine) suppresses the herpes virus.

Chemical industry

Ionol is added as an additive to petroleum chemical products and transformer oils. The substance is used to stabilize rocket fuel.

Benefits and harms

Food supplement E 321 does not have the biological benefits of its natural analogue of vitamin E, although both substances belong to the phenolic group.

The only advantageous difference between a synthetic substance is its heat resistance (natural tocopherol is almost completely destroyed when heated).

The effect of butylated hydroxytolulene on human health is controversial in the scientific community.

British doctors believe that the substance causes hyperactivity syndrome in children. However, the additive is not prohibited in the country.

Israeli scientists provide disappointing data from working with laboratory animals. Synthetic vitamin E has been linked to malfunction in some cases. reproductive system and development malignant neoplasms.

Compliance with acceptable daily norm consumption (0.125 mg/kg of human weight) will not cause significant harm.

An overdose can cause allergies, suffocation, and diarrhea.

The food industry classifies butylated hydroxytolulol as outdated additives. In many countries it is replaced by butylated hydroxyanisole (E 320), although the latter is also not considered completely safe.

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Main manufacturers

The nutritional supplement E 321 is produced by the St. Petersburg company Mona Ingredients. The enterprise does not have its own raw material base; it relies on foreign supplies.

The world's leading manufacturers are:

The Center for Independent Expertise "Kedr" included the additive E 321 in the list of the most harmful. Experts suggest that the synthetic antioxidant increases blood cholesterol levels.

Official sources do not confirm these conclusions. But they do not deny that the effect of the supplement on the body has not been fully studied.

It is more useful to replenish the lack of vitamin E in the body from natural products: sprouted wheat grains, olive and corn oils, nuts, herbs. It is better to avoid chewing gum. The content of the additive E 321 in the dubious delicacy exceeds reasonable limits.