Chemical Name: 4-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2-Pentanone
Synonyms: Diacetone alcohol
Chemical Formula: C6H12O2
Appearance: Colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a mild peppermint-like odor
Uses: Solvent in coatings, lacquers, paint removers, cleaning products, adhesives, and sometimes in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals
CAS Number: 123-42-2
Hazard Classification: Considered flammable with moderate toxicity
GHS Label Elements: Flammable liquid, irritant to eyes and skin, may contribute to drowsiness or dizziness when inhaled in large volumes
Acute Health Effects: Direct contact can burn eyes and skin, inhalation may lead to headaches, nausea, and central nervous system depression
Chronic Effects: Extended exposure can aggravate respiratory issues or liver conditions
Component: 4-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2-Pentanone
Concentration: Typically exceeds 90%
Impurities: May contain trace moisture, minor alcohols, and ketones from manufacturing
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; monitor for dizziness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical care if symptoms persist.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with gently flowing water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Never induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if large volume swallowed or irritation develops.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray
Unusual Fire Hazards: Vapors can travel and ignite at distant sources; combustion releases toxic vapors of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Fire Fighter Protection: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant garments
Flash Point: Approximately 56°C (133°F)
Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove ignition sources.
Environmental Precautions: Block entry to sewers or waterways. Inform local authorities if large spill threatens water bodies.
Spill Management: Absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite), then scoop into chemical waste containers. Clean area with water and detergent.
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhaling vapors, and prevent skin contact. Ground and bond containers when transferring.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from sunlight, oxidizers, and ignition sources. Use corrosion-resistant containers, keep tightly closed.
Engineering Controls: Employ local exhaust ventilation or mechanical ventilation for enclosed spaces.
Personal Protection: Wear splash-proof goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and, where exceeding exposure limits, a respirator approved for organic vapors.
Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH recommend time-weighted averages; exposure should not exceed 50 ppm over an 8-hour day.
Physical State: Liquid
Odor: Peppermint-like, sweet
Boiling Point: Approximately 167°C
Melting Point: -47°C
Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
Solubility: Easily mixes with water and many organic solvents
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Chemical Stability: Stable under most storage conditions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other potentially toxic fumes if burned
Reactivity: Not especially reactive; still, can form explosive mixtures with air above flash point
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Short-Term Health Effects: Contact causes moderate eye and skin irritation. Breathing high levels affects the nervous system—symptoms range from headaches to sedation.
Long-Term Exposures: No evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies. Liver and kidney changes observed with chronic heavy exposure in some cases.
Acute Toxicity: Median lethal dose (LD50, oral, rat) above 2,000 mg/kg, showing moderate toxicity.
Aquatic Toxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water, but spills in quantity may disrupt microbial balance
Persistence: Does not persist in the environment, breaks down under sunlight and microbial action
Waste Method: Take unused material to a chemical disposal facility
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, render unusable, then send for recycling or approved landfill
Environmental Danger: Avoid introducing to sewers. Collect waste separately to prevent run-off to lakes or rivers.
Proper Shipping Name: Diacetone alcohol
UN Number: UN1148
Packing Group: III
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Label: Flammable liquid label required for transport
Precautions: Ensure all containers are secure, upright, and well-sealed during transport; keep away from open flames or spark sources.
OSHA: Listed as hazardous
SARA Title III: Not categorized as an extremely hazardous substance
TSCA: Appears on the TSCA inventory
Other: Subject to local and national chemical safety legislation, which can restrict use and impose reporting requirements