Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) - full chemical name 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol - is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant that protects fats, oils and other oxidation-sensitive ingredients from going rancid. Known in food labelling as E321 and by the INCI name Butylated Hydroxytoluene, it works by scavenging free radicals, interrupting the chain reaction that causes oils to oxidise, extending the shelf life, colour and odour stability of finished products.

BHT is oil-soluble and effective at very low concentrations - typically 0.01–0.1% in cosmetics and 100–200 ppm in edible oils. It is used across four broad sectors: food & nutrition (edible oils, fats, cereals, snacks, chewing gum), personal care (creams, lip balms, foundations, shampoos), pharmaceuticals (stabilising actives and excipients), and industrial uses across oil & gas and polymers (fuels, lubricants, rubber and plastics).

Elchemy is a trusted BHT supplier, manufacturer partner and distributor, supplying food-grade (E321/FCC), pharmaceutical-grade and technical or industrial-grade BHT in powder, granular and crystalline or flake forms to buyers across 40+ countries. Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis, and formulators planning bulk procurement can benchmark the BHT price against grade, form and volume before committing - with samples available within 24–48 hours.

Manufacturing Process of BHT

BHT is produced by the acid-catalysed alkylation of p-cresol (4-methylphenol) with isobutylene, which attaches two tert-butyl groups at the 2- and 6- positions to form 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The crude product is purified by distillation and crystallisation to food or pharmaceutical purity (≥99%).

Key raw materials are p-cresol and isobutylene. Every batch Elchemy supplies is tested for assay, melting point, free cresol and residuals, with a Certificate of Analysis travelling alongside each order.

BHT Price: Bulk Pricing for Buyers

If you're looking for current BHT pricing for bulk procurement, Elchemy provides quotes based on your requirements. Share your grade, form, volume and destination, and request a sample or quote - our team will assist with your requirement.

Pricing is quote-based because the BHT price moves with p-cresol and isobutylene feedstock costs, grade (food E321/FCC, pharmaceutical, technical), form (powder, granular or flake), order volume, packaging, Incoterm and destination.

Buyers often benchmark the BHT price per kg for small lots and the price per metric ton for contracts - but for an exact rate, a direct quote is definitive.

Packaging & Logistics

BHT ships in 25 kg fibre drums, cartons or kraft-paper bags, and 500–600 kg jumbo bags, palletised for container loads and supplied to buyer requirements.

For US-bound orders, domestic stock supports faster fulfilment. Where material is sourced from India or other origin countries, transit typically runs 24–28 days to the US East Coast and 18–22 days to the West Coast. Elchemy offers FOB, CIF and DDP terms.

Store BHT in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, oxidisers and ignition sources. As a fine organic powder it can form combustible dust, so avoid dust clouds during handling.

Why Choose Elchemy as a Trusted BHT Supplier?

Elchemy makes BHT procurement straightforward - food (E321/FCC), pharmaceutical and technical grades from audited manufacturers, in the form your process needs, with tailored options via custom manufacturing.

• Multiple grades and forms - food, pharma and technical BHT as powder, granular or crystalline/flake
• Full documentation as standard - COA, TDS and GHS-compliant SDS with every order; FCC/E321, Halal, Kosher and origin declarations on request
• Low-impurity food grade - tight heavy-metal and assay control for food and pharma applications
• Samples in 24–48 hours - qualify material before any bulk commitment
• 40+ countries served - competitive global sourcing with US domestic stock for faster fulfilment

Safety & Handling

BHT is Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food use at permitted levels and is well tolerated in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals at typical concentrations. As a concentrated raw material, direct contact with the powder may cause mild skin, eye or respiratory irritation, and it is classified as harmful to aquatic life, so spillage to drains should be avoided.

Handlers should wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask, and work in a ventilated area away from ignition sources. Flush affected areas with water on contact. A full 16-section GHS-aligned SDS is available alongside material orders.