6033. Methyl Butyl Ketone

Nomenclature

CAS number: 591-78-6
2-Hexanone; butyl methyl ketone; MBK.
C6H12O; mol wt 100.16.
C 71.95%, H 12.08%, O 15.97%.

Description and references

Prepn: H. C. Colman, W. H. Perkin, Jr., J. Chem. Soc. Trans. 55, 352 (1889); R. E. Schaad, V. N. Ipatieff, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 62, 178 (1940). Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 10, 61 (1954). Review of toxicology: P. M. J. Bos et al., Am. J. Ind. Med. 20, 175-194 (1991); and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for 2-Hexanone (PB93-110773, 1992) 116 pp.

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless liquid. d 0.830. bp 127°. Flammable. Irritant. Flash pt, closed cup: 73.4°F (23°C). Slightly soluble in water; sol in alcohol, ether. Incompatible with oxidzing agents, bases. LD50 orally in rats: 2.59 g/kg (Smyth).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes and nose; peripheral neuropathy; weakness, paresthesia; dermatitis; headache; drowsiness. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 164.

Use

Reagent and solvent in organic chemistry. In adhesives, lacquers, paint removers, and acrylic coatings.