Acids & Salts Available — Bulk Only

Denatonium Benzoate

CAS 3734-33-6 · Formula C28H34N2O3 · MW 446.6 g/mol

The most bitter compound known, dosed at ppm levels as an aversive agent and alcohol denaturant. It is used as an alcohol denaturant and as an aversive bittering agent added to household, automotive, and industrial products to deter accidental ingestion.

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HS Code
2923.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
pH Adjustment
Functional Roles
DENATONIUM BENZOATE
DENATURANTFRAGRANCE
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Denaturant: Bittering denaturant for industrial and specially denatured alcohol
  • Aversive agent: Bittering additive in antifreeze, cleaners, and chemicals to deter ingestion
  • Consumer products: Bittering of personal-care and household formulations
  • Industrial fluids: Aversive additive in automotive and institutional products
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Solid; White odorless solid
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

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.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2923 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.23
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2923.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
3734-33-6
Molecular Formula
C28H34N2O3
Molecular Weight
446.6 g/mol
IUPAC Name
benzyl-[2-(2,6-dimethylanilino)-2-oxoethyl]-diethylazanium benzoate
INCI Name
DENATONIUM BENZOATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
VWTINHYPRWEBQY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
DENATONIUM BENZOATE Bitrex Lidocaine benzyl benzoate Aversion THS-839 Anispray Gori Benzoato de denatonio Benzoate de denatonium Denatonium benzoate anhydrous Denatonii benzoas WIN 16568 Lignocaine benzyl benzoate Benzyldiethyl((2,6-xylylcarbamoyl)methyl)ammonium benzoate ECX-95BY
Full Description

Denatonium benzoate (CAS 3734-33-6) is a quaternary ammonium salt and the most bitter known chemical compound. It is used as an alcohol denaturant and as an aversive bittering agent added to household, automotive, and industrial products to deter accidental ingestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is denatonium benzoate used for?

Denatonium benzoate (CAS 3734-33-6) is used as an alcohol denaturant and as an aversive bittering agent. It is added to household, automotive, and industrial products such as antifreeze, cleaners, and specially denatured alcohol to deter accidental ingestion.

What is the most bitter substance known?

Denatonium benzoate is widely cited as the most bitter known chemical compound, which is why it is used at very low addition rates as an aversive bittering agent. It is a quaternary ammonium salt with formula C28H34N2O3.

What is the Gran NF grade of denatonium benzoate?

This product is supplied as a granular (Gran) NF-grade denatonium benzoate. Exact assay and specifications vary by lot; request a current CoA from RawSource to confirm grade and specifications for your application.

How is denatonium benzoate supplied in bulk?

RawSource supplies denatonium benzoate Gran NF in bulk packaging for denaturant and bittering applications. Request a current CoA and SDS along with a bulk quote specifying your target volume and packaging.

What is the HS code for denatonium benzoate?

Denatonium benzoate is classified under HS code 2923.90 (quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides; other). Contact RawSource for a bulk quote with your volume and packaging requirements.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.