TBHQ- ▸ Food antioxidant: Retards rancidity in edible fats and oils (FDA-permitted).
- ▸ Vegetable-oil stabilizer: Effective in polyunsaturated oils such as soybean oil.
- ▸ Cosmetic antioxidant: Antioxidant in cosmetic formulations.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →tert-Butylhydroquinone (CAS 1948-33-0), or TBHQ, is a phenolic antioxidant. It is used to retard oxidation and rancidity in edible fats and oils (an FDA-permitted food antioxidant), is especially effective in polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as soybean oil, and is used as an antioxidant in cosmetic formulations.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 217-752-2
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Antioxidants & Stabilizers for Plastics (Plastics & Polymers)
- Antioxidants for Rancidity in Oils, Fats & Fried Snacks (Food & Beverage)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TBHQ used for?
TBHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone, CAS 1948-33-0) is a phenolic antioxidant used to retard oxidation and rancidity in edible fats and oils. It is especially effective in polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as soybean oil, and is also used as an antioxidant in cosmetic formulations. RawSource supplies it in bulk to food, oil, and personal-care formulators.
What is the formula and CAS number of TBHQ?
TBHQ is tert-butylhydroquinone, CAS 1948-33-0, molecular formula C10H14O2. It is a hindered phenolic antioxidant. Identity and assay are documented on the Certificate of Analysis.
Why is TBHQ effective in vegetable oils?
As a phenolic antioxidant, TBHQ interrupts the oxidation chain reactions that cause fats and oils to go rancid, and it performs particularly well in polyunsaturated oils such as soybean oil. Dosage and suitability depend on the specific oil system and should be confirmed against your formulation.
What grades of TBHQ are available and what HS code applies?
TBHQ is offered in purified grades suitable for edible-oil antioxidant use and in grades for cosmetic formulation; specify your intended application so the correct grade and CoA are matched. It classifies under HS 2907.29 (polyphenols, other). Confirm grade and tariff line when ordering.
What is the cost of bulk TBHQ?
TBHQ pricing is volume- and grade-dependent, so we do not publish a fixed price. Send your target quantity, grade, and packaging (drums, totes, or IBCs) for a current bulk quote; CoA and SDS accompany each shipment.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)?
tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (CAS 1948-33-0) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 217-752-2).