Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a common preservative...

Name: Problem 33, Chapter 15: CHEMISTRY: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change
Uploaded: 2021-05-20T08:34:34-08:00
Duration: 1 min 55 s
Channel: Vasu Makani
Description: butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a common preservative added to cereals and other dry foods. Its systematic name is 1 -hydroxy-2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylbenzene (tert-butyl is the common name for 1,1 -dimethylethyl). Draw the structure of BHT.

butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a common preservative added to cereals and other dry foods. Its systematic name is 1 -hydroxy-2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylbenzene (tert-butyl is the common name for 1,1 -dimethylethyl). Draw the structure of BHT.

Key Concepts

Benzene Ring

A benzene ring is the central aromatic structure in many organic compounds, consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a planar hexagon with alternating double bonds. Its delocalized electrons confer special stability and reactivity, which is fundamental when drawing substituted aromatic molecules such as BHT.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature provides systematic naming rules for organic compounds, ensuring that the structure can be deduced from the name. This involves indicating the positions and identities of substituents on the parent structure (in this case, a benzene ring), which is crucial for constructing the correct molecular architecture of compounds like BHT.

Substituents on Aromatic Compounds

Substituents are groups attached to the benzene ring that modify its chemical properties. In the context of BHT, the key substituents include the hydroxyl group, a methyl group, and two bulky tert-butyl groups. The specific positions of these groups, as indicated by the systematic name, determine the molecule’s overall structure and function.

Tert-Butyl Group

The tert-butyl group, commonly known as 1,1-dimethylethyl, is a branched alkyl substituent characterized by its bulky structure. In compounds like BHT, these groups provide steric hindrance and influence the compound’s physical and chemical stability, which is important for its role as an antioxidant.

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