Substance profile
4-methylpent-3-en-2-one
4-methylpent-3-en-2-one is an oily, colorless to light-yellow liquid with a spearmint odor.
01 · Identification
What 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one is
4-methylpent-3-en-2-one is an oily, colorless to light-yellow liquid with a spearmint odor. Its molecular formula is C6H10O and its molecular weight is 98.14 g/mol. It boils at 130 °C, melts at -59 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one
- mesityl oxide
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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P312, P330, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
4-methylpent-3-en-2-one 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 | 130 °C (266 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 130 °C (266 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Melting point | -59 °C (-74.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -41.5 °C (-42.7 °F) | HSDB | ||
| -46.67 °C (-52 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.87 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.8508 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.853 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Sol in about 30 parts water; miscible with most org liq | HSDB | |
| Miscible in ethanol, ethyl ether | HSDB | ||
| SLIGHTLY SOL IN PROPYLENE GLYCOL | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 9 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 8.21 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 30.56 °C (87 °F) | HSDB | |
| 22.78 °C (73 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 344.44 °C (652 °F) | HSDB | |
| 340 °C (644 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.4 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Odor low: 0.068 mg/cu m; Odor high: 100 mg/cu m. | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold values: 50% detection: 12 ppm; 100% detection: 25 ppm. | HSDB | ||
| The absolute perception limit has been reported to be 0.017 ppm. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one
Storage conditions
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in the dark.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Mixing mesityl oxide and 2-aminoethanol /or chlorosulfonic acid or ethylene diamine or nitric acid or oleum or sulfuric acid/ in closed container caused temp and pressure to incr.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Mixing MESITYL OXIDE in equal molar proportions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: 2-aminoethanol, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, nitric acid, oleum, or sulfuric acid [NFPA 1991].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one in the storage compatibility matrix →