Bitterants

A bitterant (or bittering agent) is a chemical that is added to a product to make it smell or taste bitter. Bitterants are commonly used as aversive agents to discourage the inhalation or ingestion of toxic substances.

Examples of use

 * The addition of a bitterant to ethanol denatures the product.
 * Bitterants are used in antifreeze to prevent pet and child poisonings.
 * Gas dusters often use a bitterant to discourage inhalant abuse, although this can cause problems for legitimate users. The bitterant not only leaves an intolerably bitter flavor in the air, but also leaves a bitter residue on objects, like screens and keyboards, that may transfer to hands and cause problems (such as when eating) later.
 * Anti-freeze often contains a bitterant, required by law in some places (France, Oregon, etc.).

Examples of bitterants

 * Denatonium is used in a variety of applications as an aversive agent.
 * Sucrose octaacetate
 * Quercetin
 * Brucine
 * Quassin