Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A : Butylated hydroxy anisole when added to butter increases its shelf life.
Reason R : Butylated hydroxy anisole is more reactive towards oxygen than food.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
Assertion A : Butylated hydroxy anisole when added to butter increases its shelf life.
Reason R : Butylated hydroxy anisole is more reactive towards oxygen than food.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
- A.A is not correct but R is correct
- B.Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
- D.A is correct but R is not correct
Show answer and solution
Correct option: C
Solution
Butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) is an antioxidant food preservative. It preferentially reacts with atmospheric oxygen before oxygen can oxidize the fats/oils in butter, thereby preventing rancidity and extending shelf life. Since BHA is more reactive toward oxygen than the food components, it acts as a sacrificial antioxidant — this is precisely why it preserves butter, making R the correct and complete explanation of A.
[JEE Main 2023 · 25 Jan · Shift 2]