Substance profile
Pentan-3-one
Pentan-3-one is colorless, mobile liquid with an acetone odor.
01 · Identification
What Pentan-3-one is
Pentan-3-one is colorless, mobile liquid with an acetone odor. Its molecular formula is C5H10O and its molecular weight is 86.13 g/mol. It boils at 102 °C, melts at -39 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Pentan-3-one
- diethyl 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. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH066
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Pentan-3-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 | 101.7 °C (215.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101.67 °C (215 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 102.22 °C (216 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -39 °C (-38.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -42.22 °C (-44 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.81 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.8098 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.8159 g/cm³ | at 19 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ether; soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| Solubility at 20 °C: 2.6 wt% water in 3-pentanone | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 47,000 mg/L at 20 °C; 38,000 mg/L at 100 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 25.85 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 37.7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 35 mmHg | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Flash point | 13 °C (55.4 °F) | open cup | HSDB |
| 12.78 °C (55 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 450 °C (842 °F) | HSDB | |
| 452 °C (845.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 1.6 % by volume | by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 6.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.85 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 9.4 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 2.8 ppm) | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 288.31 °C (551 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Pentan-3-one
Storage conditions
Diethyl ketone must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizing materials (such as peroxides, perchlorates, chlorates, permanganates, and nitrates) Since violent reactions may occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from sources of heat. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where diethyl ketone is handled, used or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of diethyl ketone should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of diethyl ketone. Wherever this diethyl ketone is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Violent reaction with oxidizers, causing fire and explosion hazard. Forms explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with strong acids, aliphatic amines. Attacks many plastics, rubber and coatings. May accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DIETHYL KETONE is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers, alkalis, mineral acids, (hydrogen peroxide + nitric acid) (NIOSH, 2024).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Pentan-3-one in the storage compatibility matrix →