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Common Name: Isophorone
Chemical Structure: C9H14O
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Peppermint-like, strong, sweet, sometimes pungent
Molecular Weight: 138.21 g/mol
Primary Uses: Solvent in paints, coatings, inks, and pesticides
Flammability: Combustible liquid
Acute Health Risks: Irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; potential effects on the liver and kidneys following high exposure
Target Organs: Central nervous system, liver, kidneys
Chronic Health Risks: Prolonged or repeated contact can lead to skin sensitization, dermatitis, and possible systemic toxicity
Classification (Globally Harmonized System): Causes skin and eye irritation, suspected of causing genetic defects, may cause respiratory irritation, and possible carcinogen classification has surfaced in regulatory reviews
Chemical Name: Isophorone
CAS Number: 78-59-1
Concentration: Typically above 99% in commercial products
Impurities: Minor amounts of related ketones and hydrocarbons as process by-products, which vary based on the source of manufacturing
Inhalation: Remove from exposure, offer fresh air, support breathing as needed
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; take off contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes; get medical attention if irritation remains
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth, seek medical help immediately
Other Actions: Medical observation for symptoms of overexposure is often warranted, as effects may be delayed
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, water spray
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrid smoke and fumes
Special Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus recommended for fire responders
Special Problems: Vapors heavier than air, may travel long distances along ground and flash back to source
Firefighting Tactics: Approach from upwind and cool exposed containers; isolate hazard area
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate protective clothing; avoid breathing vapor
Spill Management: Contain spillage, use non-sparking tools; absorb with sand or inert material
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and water sources, contain with barriers
Cleanup Methods: Collect using approved absorbents, transfer to labeled containers for disposal
Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas; minimize vapor release; ground and bond containers
Hygiene Measures: Always wash hands after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, away from heat, sparks, and open flame; keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, strong bases, alkali metals
Occupational Exposure Limit (OSHA/NIOSH): Time-weighted average typically set at 25 ppm (140 mg/m3)
Ventilation: Use local exhaust when airborne concentration may reach recommended limits
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator if ventilation is insufficient
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), long sleeves
Boiling Point: Around 215°C (419°F)
Melting Point: -8°C (18°F)
Flash Point: 85°C (185°F)
Vapor Pressure: 0.4 mmHg at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, readily miscible with most organic solvents
Density: About 0.92 g/cm3 at 20°C
Viscosity: Thin liquid
Odor Threshold: Detectable at low concentrations due to strong smell
Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage conditions
Hazardous Polymerization: Does not occur under recommended conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing agents such as nitric acid
Decomposition: Thermal decomposition can produce toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heating, exposure to open flames, and contact with incompatible chemicals
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 in rats approximately 1500 mg/kg; inhalation exposure can depress nervous system function
Skin/Eye Irritation: Can cause moderate irritation; repeated contact may worsen symptoms
Sensitization: Reports of skin sensitization following long-term, repeated exposure
Chronic Effects: Laboratory animal studies suggest possible effects on liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs with long-term exposure
Carcinogenicity: Recently, research indicates ongoing assessment about potential cancer risk, but evidence remains inconclusive
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with short-term and long-term exposure
Persistence/Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, can persist in natural water courses
Bioaccumulation: Has potential to bioaccumulate due to lipophilicity; environmental monitoring shows accumulation in aquatic organisms
Mobility: Spreads easily in soil and water, making rapid containment critical during spills
Disposal Method: Incineration or landfilling in compliance with local, regional, and nation-wide waste regulations
Container Disposal: Triple-rinse and puncture before recycling or regulated disposal
Special Instructions: Avoid release to environment; always follow hazardous waste management protocols
Shipping Description: Classified as a flammable liquid under DOT and international rules
Packing Group: Group III
Labels: Flammable liquid, Environmental Hazard where relevant
Precautions: Equipment grounding, leakproof containers, protection from ignition sources during transit
Workplace Hazard Communications: Listed under OSHA hazardous chemicals; subject to employee right-to-know laws
Environmental Controls: EPA classifies as a hazardous air pollutant; threshold limits set in many jurisdictions for workplace and effluent
Global Status: Covered by REACH, TSCA, and similar national inventories; many countries require declaration and exposure reduction plans in workplaces
Labeling: Includes hazard pictograms, signal word “Warning,” and appropriate precautionary statements on shipping and storage containers
