ANALYSIS OF OXIDIZED 2 AND 3-TERT-BUTYL-4 -HYDROXY-ANISOL (BHA)

The isomers 2- and 3-tert butyl-4-hydroxy-anisol (2-BHA, 3-BHA) are of ten used as antioxidants in plastic packaging materials for food. When these materials ar sterilized with ozone (e.g. aseptic packaging) the antioxidants are decomposed by oxidation. These oxidation products we re received by direct ozonisation of the pure substance. Using HPTLC a nd preparative TLC the oxidation products were separated and specific groups identified by spraying with special reagents and by infrared sp ectroscopy. Peroxidic groups, chinonoid substances, esters, ketoesters , unsaturated aliphatic carbonyl compounds, peracids and carbonyl comp ounds with aromatic structure were found. There was also an indication of the occurrence of ozonides. Aldehydes could not be detected. An in fluence on odour and taste of food by migration of these substances is t possible.