Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. Autoxidation leads to degradation of organic compounds, including living matter. Antioxidants are frequently added to industrial products, such as polymers, fuels, and lubricants, to extend their usable lifetimes. Foods are also treated with antioxidants to forestall spoilage, in particular the rancidification of oils and fats. In cells, antioxidants such as glutathione, mycothiol, or bacillithiol, and enzyme systems like superoxide dismutase, can prevent damage from oxidative stress.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), also known as dibutylhydroxytoluene, is a lipophilic organic compound, chemically a derivative of phenol, that is useful for its antioxidant properties. BHT is widely used to prevent free radical-mediated oxidation in fluids and other materials, and the regulations overseen by the U.S. F.D.A.—which considers BHT to be "generally recognized as safe"—allow small amounts to be added to foods. Despite this, and the earlier determination by the National Cancer Institute that BHT was noncarcinogenic in an animal model, societal concerns over its broad use have been expressed. BHT has also been postulated as an antiviral drug, but as of December 2022, use of BHT as a drug is not supported by the scientific literature and it has not been approved by any drug regulatory agency for use as an antiviral.
In industrial chemistry, a stabilizer or stabiliser is a chemical that is used to prevent degradation. Above all, heat and light stabilizers are added to plastic and rubber materials because they ensure safe processing and protect products against aging and weathering. In particular polyvinyl chloride would not be possible without stabilizers.
2,4-Dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol is the organic compound with the formula Me2(tert-Bu)C6H2OH (Me = methyl, tert-Bu = tertiary butyl). It is a colorless oil that is classified as an alkylated phenol.
2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is an organic compound with the structural formula 2,6-((CH3)3C)2C6H3OH. This colorless solid alkylated phenol and its derivatives are used industrially as UV stabilizers and antioxidants for hydrocarbon-based products ranging from petrochemicals to plastics. Illustrative of its usefulness, it prevents gumming in aviation fuels.
4,4′-Biphenol is an aromatic organic compound, and one of three symmetrical isomers of biphenol. It is a colourless crystalline solid with a high melting point. It is primarily used in the production of polymers, particularly liquid crystals where it imparts high thermal stability.
2,6-Lutidine is a natural heterocyclic aromatic organic compound with the formula (CH3)2C5H3N. It is one of several dimethyl-substituted derivative of pyridine, all of which are referred to as lutidines. It is a colorless liquid with mildly basic properties and a pungent, noxious odor.
Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) are chemical compounds containing an amine functional group that are used as stabilizers in plastics and polymers. These compounds are typically derivatives of tetramethylpiperidine and are primarily used to protect the polymers from the effects of photo-oxidation; as opposed to other forms of polymer degradation such as ozonolysis. They are also increasingly being used as thermal stabilizers, particularly for low and moderate level of heat, however during the high temperature processing of polymers they remain less effective than traditional phenolic antioxidants.
Polymer stabilizers are chemical additives which may be added to polymeric materials to inhibit or retard their degradation. Mainly they protect plastic and rubber products against heat, oxidation, and UV light. The biggest quantity of stabilizers is used for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as the production and processing of this type of plastic would not be possible without stablizing chemicals. Common polymer degradation processes include oxidation, UV-damage, thermal degradation, ozonolysis, combinations thereof such as photo-oxidation, as well as reactions with catalyst residues, dyes, or impurities. All of these degrade the polymer at a chemical level, via chain scission, uncontrolled recombination and cross-linking, which adversely affects many key properties such as strength, malleability, appearance and colour.
An antiozonant, also known as anti-ozonant, is an organic compound that prevents or retards damage caused by ozone. The most important antiozonants are those which prevent degradation of elastomers like rubber. A number of research projects study the application of another type of antiozonants to protect plants as well as salmonids that are affected by the chemicals.
2,6-Di-tert-butylpyridine is an organic compound with the formula (Me3C)2C5H3N. This colourless, oily liquid is derived from pyridine by replacement of the two H atoms with tert-butyl groups. It is a hindered base. For example, it can be protonated, but it does not form an adduct with boron trifluoride.
Irganox 1098 is the trade name for N,N′-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanamide], a primary antioxidant manufactured by BASF primarily used for stabilizing polymers, especially polyamides. It is noted for its thermal stability as well as its non-discoloring properties.
2,4,6-Tri-tert-butylphenol (2,4,6-TTBP) is a phenol symmetrically substituted with three tert-butyl groups and thus strongly sterically hindered. 2,4,6-TTBP is a readily oxidizable aromatic compound and a weak acid. It oxidizes to give the deep-blue 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenoxy radical. 2,4,6-TTBP is related to 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, which is widely used as an antioxidant in industrial applications. These compounds are colorless solids.
Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite is an organophosphorus compound with the formula [(C4H9)2C6H3O]3P. This white solid is a widely used stabilizer in polymers where it functions as a secondary antioxidant. It also reduces discoloration (yellowing) of plastics. The compound is a phosphite ester formed by the reaction of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol with phosphorous trichloride. It is an approved food contact materials in the US.
Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate) is a chemical compound composed of four sterically hindered phenols linked through a pentaerythritol core. It is used as primary antioxidant for stabilizing polymers, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene.
2-tert-Butyl phenol is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)3CC6H4OH. It is one of three isomeric tert-butyl phenols. It is a colorless oil that dissolves in basic water. It can be prepared by acid-catalyzed alkylation of phenol with isobutene.
Octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate is a hindered phenolic antioxidant commonly used as a polymer stabiliser.
2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is a white solid with a phenolic odour. It is primarily used as a raw material for the production of several commercially important antioxidants and phenolic benzotriazole-type UV absorbers. It also finds use as a starting material in the synthesis of agrochemicals, fragrances and catalysts.
1,3,5-Tris(4- -3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione is a speciality antioxidant used to stabilise plastics and synthetic fibres.
