Substance profile
Hexan-2-one
Hexan-2-one is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acetone like odor, but more pungent.
01 · Identification
What Hexan-2-one is
Hexan-2-one is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acetone like odor, but more pungent. Its molecular formula is C6H12O and its molecular weight is 100.16 g/mol. It boils at 127 °C, melts at -55.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Hexan-2-one
- methyl butyl ketone
- butyl methyl ketone
- methyl-n-butyl 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. |
| H361f | Suspected of damaging fertility. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P270, P314, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Hexan-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 | 127.2 °C (261 °F) | HSDB | |
| 127.78 °C (262 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 127.22 °C (261 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -55.5 °C (-67.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| -57.22 °C (-71 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.83 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.812 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Sol in acetone; miscible in ethanol and ether | HSDB | |
| 1.4 wt% in water at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 1.72X10+4 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 11 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 2 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 11.6 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 25 °C (77 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| 35 °C (95 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 25 °C (77 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 423.89 °C (795 °F) | HSDB | |
| 423 °C (793.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.5 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.45 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | ODOR 3 PPM: 3= EASILY NOTICEABLE; IRRITATION 2 PPM: 2= FAINT. | HSDB | |
| 0.28-0.35 mg/cu m | HSDB | ||
| In air is 0.076 ppm and in water is 0.25 mg/L. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Hexan-2-one
Storage conditions
MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMPOSE INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL WELL VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF THE DIRECT RAYS OF THE SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, AND SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL BUTYL KETONE is incompatible with oxidizing agents. It may also react with strong bases and reducing agents. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Hexan-2-one in the storage compatibility matrix →