General Description of 4-Hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone

4-Hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone is a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point below 141°F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. It is a chemical compound with the formula CH3C(O)CH2C(OH)(CH3)2. This liquid is a common synthetic intermediate used for the preparation of other compounds.It occurs naturally in Sleepy grass (Achnatherum robustum).

Air & Water Reactions:

Highly flammable. Soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile:

Acetyl bromide reacts violently with alcohols or water. Mixtures of alcohols with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide can cause explosions. Example: An explosion will occur if dimethylbenzylcarbinol is added to 90% hydrogen peroxide then acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid. Mixtures of ethyl alcohol with concentrated hydrogen peroxide form powerful explosives. Mixtures of hydrogen peroxide and 1-phenyl-2-methyl propyl alcohol tend to explode if acidified with 70% sulfuric acid. Alkyl hypochlorites are violently explosive. They are readily obtained by reacting hypochlorous acid and alcohols either in aqueous solution or mixed aqueous-carbon tetrachloride solutions. Chlorine plus alcohols would similarly yield alkyl hypochlorites. They decompose in the cold and explode on exposure to sunlight or heat. Tertiary hypochlorites are less unstable than secondary or primary hypochlorites. Base-catalysed reactions of isocyanates with alcohols should be carried out in inert solvents. Such react
ions in the absence of solvents often occur with explosive violence.

Health Hazard:

Vapor is irritating to the mucous membrane of the eye and respiratory tract. Inhalation can cause dizziness, nausea, some anesthesia. Very high concentrations have a narcotic effect. The liquid is not highly irritating to the skin but can cause dermatitis.

Fire Hazard:

Highly flammable: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Uses:

It is used in cellulose ester lacquers, particularly of the brushing type, where it produces brilliant gloss and hard film and where its lack of odor is desirable. It is used in lacquer thinners, dopes, wood stains, wood preservatives and printing pastes; in coating compositions for paper and textiles; permanent markers;in making artificial silk and leather; in imitation gold leaf; in celluloid cements; as a preservative for animal tissue; in metal cleaning compounds; in the manufacture of photographic film; and in hydraulic brake fluids, where it is usually mixed with an equal volume of castor oil.