Irganox 1040 is a chemical compound, a phenolic antioxidant.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

Irganox is a trademark for a series of antioxidants produced by BASF. 

• "Irganox" dis a combination of the words 'Irgan' and 'ox', suggesting its protective function against oxidation.
• "1040" is a code for that specific antioxidant.

Description of raw materials used in production:

Irganox 1040 is based on pentaerythritol. It's a phenolic antioxidant with the chemical name tetrakis[methylene-3-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]pentaerythritol. The raw materials are pentaerythritol and phenolic derivatives.

The industrial synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Esterification of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenol - This step involves the reaction of the 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenol with an acylating agent like acetic anhydride.
• Reaction with pentaerythritol - The produced ester reacts with pentaerythritol, thus forming Irganox 1040.

What it is for and where

Irganox 1040 is an antioxidant commonly used in the rubber, plastic and polymer industries to protect materials from deterioration caused by oxidation.

It is used in cosmetic facial and body care products as it acts as an antioxidant to prevent the product from degrading when exposed to air and thus oxygen.

This study examined the migration of Irganox 1010 as antioxidant from high density polyethylene and polypropylene (1).

• Molecular Formula   C₇₃H₁₀₈O₁₂
• Linear  Formula [HOC₆H₂[C(CH₃)₃]₂CH₂CH₂CO₂CH₂]₄C
• Peso molecolare  1177.655 g/mol
• CAS  6683-19-8
• EC number  229-722-6
• DTXSID1027633
• Nikkaji   J46.615H

Synonyms:

• Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate)
• 2,2-Bis(((3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl)oxy)methyl)propane-1,3-diyl bis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate)
• Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
• Irganox 1010
• Tetraalkofen BPE

References___________________________________________________________________

(1) Lickly TD, Bell CD, Lehr KM.The migration of Irganox 1010 antioxidant from high-density polyethylene and polypropylene into a series of potential fatty-food simulants.  Food Addit Contam. 1990 Nov-Dec;7(6):805-1