Substance profile
Acetophenone
Acetophenone is a colorless liquid with a sweet pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What Acetophenone is
Acetophenone is a colorless liquid with a sweet pungent odor. It boils at 202 °C, melts at 19.4 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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 |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P270, P280, P301, P305, P312, P313, P330, P337, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Acetophenone 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 | 202.1 °C (395.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 201.72 °C (395.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 202 °C (395.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 19.4 °C (66.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 19.72 °C (67.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 20 °C (68 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.03 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.0281 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.028 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | |
| Slightly soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid with orange color; freely soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, fatty oils, glycerol | HSDB | ||
| In water, 6,130 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.2 mmHg | at 20 °C | DOE PAC |
| 0.397 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.9976 mmHg | at 15 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 76 °C (168.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 76.67 °C (170 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 77 °C (170.6 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 570 °C (1058 °F) | HSDB | |
| 535 °C (995 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.1 % by volume | percent by volume | HSDB |
| 1.1 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 1 % by volume | estimated | ICSC | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 6.7 % by volume | percent by volume | HSDB |
| 6.7 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 5.2 % by volume | estimated | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 4.1 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 0.8347 mg/cu m (odor low) 2.9460 (odor high) | HSDB | |
| 65.0 ppm/water | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.17 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 427.78 °C (802 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Acetophenone
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. Light sensitive. Store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong reducing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ACETOPHENONE reacts with many acids and bases liberating heat and flammable gases (e.g., H2). Reacts with many oxidizing agents. Reacts with reducing agents such as hydrides, alkali metals, and nitrides to produce flammable gas (H2) and heat. The amount of heat in these reactions may be sufficient to start a fire in the unreacted portion. Incompatible with isocyanates, aldehydes, cyanides, peroxides, and anhydrides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Acetophenone in the storage compatibility matrix →