Commercial TBHQ is produced by reacting hydroquinone with tert-butanol or isobutylene. Here is a detailed manufacturing process between hydroquinone and tert-butanol from a China manufacturer (1).
The following is the brief reaction equation:
TBHQ manufacturing reaction
Specification
Appearance White or tan powder with a light characteristic odour.
Other names Tert-butylhydroquinone, tert-butyl-1,4-benzenediol
CAS number 1948-33-0
Chemical formula C10H14O2
Molecular weight 166.220
Stability With high thermal stability, no discoloration in the presence of metal ions (e.g. iron, copper).
Solubility practically insoluble in water, easy to dissolve in oils & fats and organic solvents