Bitrex

Products

Bitrex is found, for example, in household products, pesticides, externally applied medicines, mouse and rat poisons, and cosmetics.

Structure and properties

Bitrex (C₂₈H₃₄N₂O₃, M_r = 446.6 g/mol) is the brand name of denatonium benzoate, a molecule closely related structurally to the local anesthetic lidocaine. Bitrex is considered atoxic, chemically stable, and is one of the most bitter substances of all, tasting bitter even at maximum dilution. It was discovered and patented in 1958.

Effects and areas of application

Bitrex has a strong bitter taste in the smallest amounts. It is added to products to make them inedible for children and to protect them from self-poisoning. The child is thus discouraged from ingesting larger amounts of the product. Bitrex is also used for animals, including as a cream against pig cannibalism in stables. It is also used as a repellent and as a denaturant for alcohol.