Determination of the antioxidant 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tri(3′,5′-di-t-butyl-4′-hydroxy-benzyl)benzene in feeds

Abstract

1,3,5-Trimethyl-2,4,6-tri(3′,5′-di-t-butyl-4′-hydroxybenzyl)benzene (Ionox 330) is an antioxidant that is used for the preservation of plastic food wrappings. Its use as a fat stabiliser could be extended to animal feeds. By using the method described, 200 p.p.m. of Ionox 330 in a feed can be determined with good reproducibility. The method consists in extracting the Ionox 330 with chloroform, purifying it by using thin-layer chromatography, and measuring at 522 nm the colour developed in the presence of iron(III) chloride and 2,2′-bipyridyl. Possible interference from 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (butylated hydroxytoluene; BHT) can be avoided by using this chromatographic technique.