Question

Butylated hydroxyanisole is:
A. an antioxidant
B. cleansing agent
C. disinfectant
D. an antihistamine

Answer 1

Hint: Think about the nature and structure of butylated hydroxyanisole and its isomeric compounds that are present. Consider the properties of this molecule before answering the question. Also, consider similarities with butylated hydroxytoluene.

Complete step by step solution:
This butylated hydroxyanisole is present as a mixture of two isomeric molecules. Their IUPAC names are as follows: 2-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol and 3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol. Their structures are as follows:

This butylated hydroxyanisole along with butylated hydroxytoluene has been added to the edible foodstuff that contains fats. These chemicals prevent the oxidation and rancidification of these fats and abolish any foul odour that may arise due to rancidification.
They have aromatic resonating rings that sequester any free radicals that may be present in the edible oils and fats and keep them in conjugation, thus preventing the oxidation of the fats.
Hence, the correct answer to this question is A. an antioxidant’

Additional information:
Cleansing agents consist of various soaps, detergents, abrasives, etc. They mostly include surfactants that have hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends that cleanse dirt and oil from surfaces.
Examples of disinfectants include chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, glutaraldehydes, alcohols, etc.
Antihistamines are given as a medicine to allergic reactions by the body. Some examples include chlorpheniramine, loratadine, diphenhydramine, etc.

Note: Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) has also been used as an antioxidant along with its counterpart, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). BHT is also used to treat cold sores, genital herpes, and some symptoms of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The structure of BHT is: