Identification of new metabolites of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in rats.

Abstract
The urinary and fecal excretion of 3 new metabolites of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene) were revealed by gas chromatography after i.p. administration of the compound to male Wistar rats. The structures of these metabolites, 2.6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (M-I), 2,6-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (M-II) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-[(methylthio)methyl]phenol (M-III), were identified by comparison of gas chromatographic and mass spectral data with those of authentic samples. The possible formation of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxy-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one as an intermediary metabolite to account for the occurrence of M-I was also discussed. [BHT is an antioxidant used widely in processed foods and petroleum products.].

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