Products
Butylated hydroxyanisole is found in numerous drugs as an excipient, for example in semisolid and liquid dosage forms, as well as in tablets and soft capsules.
Structure and properties
Butylated hydroxyanisole (C11H16O2, Mr = 180.3 g/mol) exists as a white to yellowish or faintly pinkish crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is a tert-butyl and hydroxy derivative of anisole (methoxybenzene). Butylhydroxyanisole is a mixture of two substances and, according to the pharmacopoeia, contains no more than 10% 3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxyphenol).
Effects
Butylated hydroxyanisole has antioxidant properties. It protects active ingredients and excipients from undesirable oxidation, thus increasing product stability. Active ingredients include, for example, calcitriol, simvastatin, enzalutamide and tretinoin.
Indications for use
- As an excipient for medicinal products.
- As an additive for food (E 320).
