Products
Ethoxyquin was synthesized in the 1920s. In the late 1950s, ethoxyquin was first marketed by Monsanto (Santoquine). It is available as a chemical, among other products.
Structure and properties
Ethoxyquin (C14H19NO, Mr = 217.3 g/mol) is an ethoxy derivative of a methylated quinoline. It exists as a yellow liquid that turns brown when exposed to oxygen. Ethoxyquin polymerizes when exposed to light and air. The substance is lipophilic and dissolves only in organic solvents.
Effects
Ethoxyquin has strong antioxidant properties. It protects lipids, fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids from oxidation (lipid peroxidation), thus extending shelf life.
Fields of application
- As an additive, the production of animal feed (feed additive). Ethoxyquin is used, for example, for fish feed.
- As a pesticide, ethoxyquin is no longer approved in the EU since the year 2011.
Adverse effects
Ethoxyquin can be detected in foods such as salmon, and in this way it also enters the human organism, where it can be deposited in fatty tissue. It has also been detected in breast milk after consumption of salmon. It is not known exactly how harmful this is.
