Isopropylthioxanthone

The Isopropylthioxanthone ( ITX ) are heterocyclic organic chemical compounds which act as photoinitiator ( polymerization ) can be used in UV-curable offset inks. In most cases, a mixture of 2 - and 4- isopropyl used.

• 2 -ITX
• 2-isopropyl- 9H- thioxanthen -9-one

• 4- ITX
• 4- isopropyl -9H- thioxanthen -9-one

Effects on health

In the fall of 2005 Baby milk products of Nestlé and Milupa companies were found in Italy, in the Tetra Pak packaging ITX was included. Residues of Farbfixierers are (BfR ) has been transferred by fives when rolling from the outside to the inside of the package according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment view. Test showed that there is no risk of a genetic change can be expected by ITX. The manufacturer Tetra Pak and Elopak have stated since 2005 to waive ITX in production.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ITX classified as very polluting chemical that is toxic to aquatic organisms. One U.S. study from 1999, according to experienced workers who had come into contact with ITX, when they came rashes on the head and neck with sunlight in contact. The use in the food sector is therefore controversial. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR ), however, holds a replacement of ITX in printing inks to be appropriate, since with the exception of ITX toxicological evaluation of photoinitiators used is currently not possible. For ITX data are available, can be derived from those that the substance has no genotoxic potential and therefore can be considered in a transition from up to 50 micrograms per kilogram ( ug / kg ) foods considered safe.

Analytical studies

An analysis method for determining the content of isopropyl milk, yogurt, and fat has been described using the internal standard, 2,4- diethylthioxanthone.