High-Purity Solvents, Ketones

Mesityl Oxide

Mesityl oxide, chemically identified as 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one, is a versatile unsaturated ketone with a distinctively sharp, peppermint-like odor. This colorless to yellowish oily liquid is primarily produced through the aldol condensation of acetone, followed by dehydration. Its chemical structure features both a carbonyl group and an alpha-beta unsaturated double bond, making it a highly reactive intermediate in organic synthesis. As a solvent, mesityl oxide demonstrates exceptional dissolving power for various resins, polymers, and nitrocellulose, though its use as a primary solvent has diminished due to its strong odor and toxicity profile. It serves as a vital precursor in the production of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and other specialized chemical derivatives. Industrially, it is valued for its role in manufacturing pharmaceuticals, coatings, and extraction processes. However, handlers must exercise caution due to its flammability and potential irritant properties. Its dual functionality allows for complex chemical transformations, ensuring its continued importance across industries.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High solvency power for a wide range of natural and synthetic resins, including vinyls and nitrocellulose.
Reactive alpha-beta unsaturated ketone structure facilitates Michael additions and diverse heterocyclic syntheses.
Serves as an essential intermediate in the industrial manufacturing of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) via hydrogenation.
Efficiently functions as a medium-boiling solvent in specialty paint strippers and coating formulations.
Low water solubility makes it effective for specific solvent extraction processes in chemical purification.
Offers a unique peppermint-like scent profile, occasionally utilized in specialized industrial odor masking applications.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

CAS Number: 141-79-7; IUPAC Name: 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one.
Molecular Formula: C6H10O with a molecular weight of approximately 98.14 g/mol.
Boiling point occurs at 129 degrees Celsius, providing a medium evaporation rate for industrial applications.
Exhibits a flash point of 31 degrees Celsius, classifying it as a flammable liquid requiring explosion-proof storage.
Density is approximately 0.854 g/cm3 at 20 degrees Celsius, with a vapor pressure of 8.7 mmHg.
Soluble in common organic solvents like ethanol and ether but has limited solubility in water (3.3 g/100 mL).

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Key chemical intermediate in the heavy industrial synthesis of methyl isobutyl ketone and methyl isobutyl carbinol.
Used as a specialized solvent in the formulation of nitrocellulose lacquers, varnishes, and protective coatings.
Employed in the production of agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and insect repellents due to its reactive nature.
Utilized in the extraction of uranium and other rare earth metals during specialized metallurgical refining processes.
Serves as a reagent in the laboratory for synthesizing various plasticizers, stabilizers, and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Incorporated into some paint and varnish remover blends for its high solvency toward cured polymers.