High-Purity Solvents, Ketones

Pinacolone (3,3-Dimethyl-2-butanone)

Pinacolone, scientifically designated as 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone, is an organic compound classified as a saturated aliphatic ketone. Characterized by its distinctive peppermint or camphor-like odor, it remains a colorless to pale yellow liquid at standard temperature and pressure. This molecule is structurally unique due to its quaternary carbon atom directly adjacent to the carbonyl group, a feature that imparts significant steric hindrance and stability. Historically, pinacolone has played a pivotal role in the discovery of the pinacol-pinacolone rearrangement, a cornerstone reaction in organic synthesis. Today, it serves as a critical chemical intermediate in the production of high-performance pesticides, fungicides, and pharmaceuticals. Its chemical versatility allows for the synthesis of various triazole compounds, which are essential in modern agriculture for crop protection. Due to its specific reactivity profile and solvency properties, it is also utilized in specialized industrial processes. Safety protocols are mandatory during handling because of its flammability and potential health hazards.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High purity grades ensure consistent performance in sensitive pharmaceutical synthesis.
Exceptional chemical stability facilitates storage and long-distance transport without degradation.
Unique molecular structure provides a specific steric environment for selective reactions.
Compatible with a wide range of organic solvents, enhancing process flexibility.
Lower toxicity compared to some alternative specialty ketones in agricultural formulations.
Efficient production of triazole-based fungicides, which boosts agricultural yields globally.
Serves as a reliable building block for complex molecular architectures in R&D settings.
Economically viable for large-scale industrial manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical formula: C6H12O, featuring a tert-butyl group linked to an acetyl group.
Boiling point: approximately 106 degrees Celsius, providing a manageable distillation range.
Density: roughly 0.801 g/cm3, lighter than water for ease of separation.
Flash point: approximately 15 degrees Celsius, requiring explosion-proof handling equipment.
Produced via the acid-catalyzed rearrangement of pinacol or hydration of tert-butyl acetylene.
Exhibits a refractive index of approximately 1.395, useful for purity verification.
High vapor pressure necessitates sealed storage systems to prevent evaporative loss.
Miscible with alcohol and ether, but has limited solubility in aqueous environments.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Primary intermediate for synthesizing triadimefon and triadimenol, essential systemic fungicides for crops.
Utilized in the production of paclobutrazol, a key plant growth regulator.
Acting as a critical precursor for various herbicides like metribuzin used in weed control.
Essential building block for pinacidil, a vasodilator pharmaceutical used in medical treatments.
Used in the synthesis of fragrance compounds due to its unique aromatic profile.
Serves as a laboratory reagent in classic organic chemistry research for skeletal rearrangements.
Application in specialty solvent formulations for high-tech coatings and resins.
Integral to the manufacturing of certain specialized polymer additives.