Substance profile
Pentane-2,4-dione
Pentane-2,4-dione is a colorless or slightly yellow liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Pentane-2,4-dione is
Pentane-2,4-dione is a colorless or slightly yellow liquid with a pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C5H8O2 and its molecular weight is 100.12 g/mol. It boils at 138 °C, melts at -23 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Pentane-2,4-dione
- acetylacetone
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. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P270, P301, P312, P330, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Pentane-2,4-dione 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 | 138 °C (280.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 140.39 °C (284.7 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 140 °C (284 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -23 °C (-9.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -23.5 °C (-10.3 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.9706 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.975 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9721 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | One part dissolves in about 8 parts water | HSDB | |
| Fairly soluble in neutral water | HSDB | ||
| In water, 166,000 mg/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 6.9756 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 2.96 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 38 °C (100.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 40.56 °C (105 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 33.89 °C (93 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 340 °C (644 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.4 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 11.6 % by volume | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 3.5 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.45 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 0.010 ppm | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Pentane-2,4-dione
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. Storage class (TRGS 510): 3: Flammable liquids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, reducing agents, strong bases, metals.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Ketones, such as PENTANE-2,4-DIONE, 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. May dissolve plastics (USCG, 1999).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Pentane-2,4-dione in the storage compatibility matrix →