Chemical Name: 4-Methyl-3-Penten-2-One
Synonyms: Methyl mesityl ketone
Chemical Formula: C6H10O
CAS Number: 141-79-7
Physical Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Hazard Classification: Flammable liquid, acute toxicity by inhalation and ingestion, skin and eye irritant
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes serious eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat and sources of ignition, avoid breathing vapors, use in well-ventilated spaces, wear protective clothing
Component: 4-Methyl-3-Penten-2-One
Concentration: Typically above 95%
Impurities: Minimal; commercial grades may contain lower levels of related ketones
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, monitor for respiratory distress, seek medical attention for symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek emergency medical support rapidly
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water, monitor for rash or irritation
Eye Contact: Flush cautiously with water for several minutes, hold eyelids open, seek medical care if irritation persists
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, CO2, water fog
Specific Hazards: Produces flammable vapors, may form explosive mixtures with air
Special Protective Equipment: Wear full firefighting gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Advice: Approach upwind, cool containers with water spray, ventilate affected space
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, vent affected area, avoid inhalation and skin contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into sewers and waterways, inform local authorities if substantial quantities reach public waters
Cleanup Methods: Contain spill using non-combustible absorbents such as sand or vermiculite, store contaminated material for safe disposal, thoroughly ventilate site after cleanup
Handling: Open containers with care, avoid formation of aerosols or vapors, use only in places with local exhaust systems, always ground containers when transferring, keep incompatible substances away
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated places, keep away from ignition sources, separate from oxidizing agents, acids, and strong bases
Engineering Controls: Install ventilation systems to keep vapor concentrations below exposure limits, use explosion-proof equipment
Personal Protection: Wear protective gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber recommended), use chemical splash goggles and face shields when splashing is likely, choose appropriate respirators if airborne concentrations climb, cover exposed skin with chemical-resistant garments
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA and ACGIH have not set a specific limit for this compound, but a general threshold for similar solvents can help guide decisions
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Strong, sweet, pungent
Melting Point: Around -84°C
Boiling Point: About 117°C
Flash Point: Roughly 15°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Significant at room temperature, increasing with heat
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water, miscible with organic solvents
Density: Close to 0.85 g/cm3
Chemical Stability: Remains stable in sealed containers at low temperatures; vapor may oxidize over time
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, some plastics
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating aldehydes, and other fragments
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected under recommended storage conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Irritation to eyes and skin, respiratory irritation, drowsiness, central nervous system depression at high levels
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can dry or crack skin, inhalation over sustained periods leads to headaches, nausea
LD50 (Oral, rat): Data points to moderate toxicity
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life with potential for acute effects
Persistence: Volatile compound, can evaporate quickly in open environments, moderate biodegradability
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to persist significantly in food chains
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to soils and waterways, prevent entry to drains
Waste Disposal: Collect liquid residues in proper containers, hand over to licensed waste disposal contractors, never pour down the drain
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers retain residue, treat as hazardous, send for certified drum reconditioning or proper incineration
Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (4-Methyl-3-Penten-2-One)
UN Number: UN1993
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: II (medium danger)
Transport Considerations: Secure packaging, label appropriately, check for leaks before shipment, protect containers from physical damage and temperature extremes
Regulation: Subject to workplace safety and hazard communication requirements under local, state, and national laws
OSHA Status: Considered hazardous under Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Listed on certain chemical inventories; check local reporting thresholds for release
Right-to-Know: This substance appears on various chemical safety inventories around the world; consult relevant regional listings for worker eligibility and labeling specifics