Substance profile
5-Methyl-2-hexanone
5-Methyl-2-hexanone is colorless, clear liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor.
01 · Identification
What 5-Methyl-2-hexanone is
5-Methyl-2-hexanone is colorless, clear liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor. It boils at 144 °C, melts at -73.9 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for 5-Methyl-2-hexanone
- 5-methylhexan-2-one
- isoamyl methyl 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 |
|---|---|
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P271, P304, P312, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
5-Methyl-2-hexanone 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 | 144 °C (291.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 143.89 °C (291 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 143.89 °C (291 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -73.9 °C (-101 °F) | HSDB | |
| -73.89 °C (-101 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.888 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol and ether; very soluble in acetone, benzene; soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Miscible with most org solvents | HSDB | ||
| In water, 5400 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 5 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 5.77 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 35.56 °C (96 °F) | HSDB | |
| 43.33 °C (110 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 36.11 °C (97 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 190.56 °C (375 °F) | HSDB | |
| 191 °C (375.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1 % by volume | DOE PAC | |
| 1 % by volume | at 93.33 °C | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8.2 % by volume | at 93.33 °C | HSDB |
| Vapor density | 3.9 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 0.012 ppm= detection in air, 0.049 ppm= recognition in air; (purity not specified) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.01 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 0.04 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 5-Methyl-2-hexanone
Storage conditions
... Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from sources of oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates), strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine), reducing agents, and aldehydes. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where methyl isoamyl ketone is handled, used or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of methyl isoamyl ketone should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
The vapor mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Ketones, such as 5-METHYLHEXAN-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 5-Methyl-2-hexanone in the storage compatibility matrix →