Substance profile
3-Methyl-2-butanone
3-Methyl-2-butanone is a colorless liquid with the odor threshold lies between 1.9 and 3.1 ppm (6.8 and 11 mg/cu m).
01 · Identification
What 3-Methyl-2-butanone is
3-Methyl-2-butanone is a colorless liquid with the odor threshold lies between 1.9 and 3.1 ppm (6.8 and 11 mg/cu m). Its molecular formula is C5H10O and its molecular weight is 86.13 g/mol. It boils at 94.3 °C, melts at -93.1 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for 3-Methyl-2-butanone
- 3-methylbutan-2-one
- methyl isopropyl ketone
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
3-Methyl-2-butanone properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 94.33 °C (201.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 92.78 °C (199 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 93.89 °C (201 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -93.1 °C (-135.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -92.22 °C (-134 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8501 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.8051 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether; very soluble in acetone; soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Very slight | NIOSH | ||
| In water, 5.237X10+4 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 42 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 67.21 mmHg | CAMEO | ||
| 52.5 mmHg | at 25 °C, extrapolated | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 11.11 °C (52 °F) | HSDB | |
| 6.11 °C (43 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -1 °C (30.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | -16.78 °C (1.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 475 °C (887 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Lower limit 9.0 °F; Upper limit 0.85 °F | HSDB | ||
| Combustible Liquid | NIOSH | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 3 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 1.9 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 4.8 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| [ICSC] Odor threshold from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 3-Methyl-2-butanone
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store in cool place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Vapors may form explosive mixture with air.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Ketones, such as 3-METHYLBUTAN-2-ONE, are reactive with many acids and bases liberating heat and flammable gases (e.g., H2). The amount of heat may be sufficient to start a fire in the unreacted portion of the ketone. Ketones react with reducing agents such as hydrides, alkali metals, and nitrides to produce flammable gas (H2) and heat. Ketones are incompatible with isocyanates, aldehydes, cyanides, peroxides, and anhydrides. They react violently with aldehydes, HNO3, HNO3 + H2O2, and HClO4.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 3-Methyl-2-butanone in the storage compatibility matrix →