The Difference Between DTBHQ and TBHQ

DTBHQ and TBHQ are two food additives that are somewhat similar in function, but also differ in chemical structure and application areas. Let's take a look at the differences between these two food additives.

First of all, there are differences in the chemical structures of DTBHQ and TBHQ, whose full name is Di-Tert-Butylhydroquinone, a di-tert-butylhydroquinone, and TBHQ, whose full name is Tert-Butylhydroquinone, also a hydroquinone, but it has only one tert-butyl group. The common point of these two compounds is that they can play the role of food antioxidant, but due to the structural differences, they have differences in some specific applications.

Secondly, there are also some differences in the application fields of DTBHQ and TBHQ, and DTBHQ performs better in food processing and preservation, especially in high-fat food and bakery products. It is suitable for application in high temperature processing environment such as baking and frying. The antioxidant effect of TBHQ in food is slightly inferior to that of DTBHQ, but its performance in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in food is more excellent, so it is more commonly used in meat products, canned food and beverages.

Finally, there are some differences in the restrictions on the use of DTBHQ and TBHQ. DTBHQ is more strictly restricted in countries and regions such as Europe and the United States, and the amount of use is also restricted because it releases phenyl from food, which is detrimental to human health. TBHQ, on the other hand, is not subject to such restrictions, but attention should be paid to its use concentration to avoid adverse reactions and food quality problems caused by overconsumption.

Therefore, DTBHQ is more often used as an antioxidant for natural rubber, synthetic rubber and latex, which can effectively delay the oxidative aging and UV aging of vulcanized rubber and unvulcanized rubber; it can improve the heat resistance, oil resistance and flexural crack resistance of rubber products; and it is easy to disperse, has no effect on vulcanization, will not pollute rubber products, and has no coloring. It is easy to disperse, has no effect on vulcanization, does not pollute rubber products and has no coloring.

DTBHQ can be used as antioxidant for lubricating oil and biodiesel (fuel oil). Lubricating oil will be oxidized, polymerized, alkylated, decomposed and other reactions in the process of use, resulting in the formation of coke and other gums, these components will deteriorate the oil, causing corrosion of lubricated parts and reducing efficiency, DTBHQ can interrupt the chain reaction of oxidation and extend the oxidation induction period. DTBHQ has a high melting point and can be added to biodiesel (fuel) to improve its high temperature resistance and prevent oxidation deterioration under high temperature.