General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 20 °F. May polymerize with the release of heat under exposure to heat or contamination. Less dense than water. Highly toxic by inhalation. Causes burns to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
Reactivity Profile
METHYL VINYL KETONE(78-94-4) is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases. METHYL VINYL KETONE(78-94-4) polymerizes spontaneously upon exposure to heat or sunlight. This polymerization may cause violent ruptures in containers. .
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Miscible with water. Unstable in the presence of heat, light and air.
Health Hazard
This material is readily absorbed through the skin, causing general poisoning, similar to other ketones; inhalation has central nervous system depressant effects. It is irritating to mucous membranes and respiratory tract and to the skin; it is a lachrymator and can cause eye injury.
Potential Exposure
Methyl vinyl ketone is used as an
alkylating agent, a starting material for plastics; and an
intermediate in the synthesis of steroids and Vitamin A.
Fire Hazard
Vapors form flammable mixtures with air, and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Polymerization may take place in containers, possibly with violent rupture of containers. Upon exposure to heat or flame, METHYL VINYL KETONE emits toxic and irritating fumes. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Polymerizes on standing. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid heat or sunlight.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours
after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or
authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or
other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN1251 Methyl vinyl ketone, stabilized, Hazard
class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation Hazard,
3-Flammable liquid, 8-Corrosive material, Inhalation Zone A.
Incompatibilities
Vapors may form explosive mixture with
air. Heat or shock may cause explosive polymerization.
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides,
permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine,
etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away
from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids,
oxoacids, epoxides, nitrated amines, azo, diazo, azido
compounds, carbamates, organic cyanates.
Chemical Properties
Colourless liquid. Soluble in water and alcohols.
Chemical Properties
Methyl vinyl ketone is a colorless liquid.
Pungent odor.
Uses
Alkylating agent; commercial starting material for plastics; as intermediate in the synthesis of steroids and vitamin A.
Definition
ChEBI: A methyl ketone that is butan-2-one with an unsaturation at position 3.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Before entering confined space where this chemicalmay be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Protect against physical damage.Outside or detached storage is preferred. Inside storageshould be in a standard flammable liquids storage room.Separate from oxidizing materials. MVK vapors are uninhibited and may form polymers in the flame arresters ofstorage tanks, resulting in stoppage of vent.
Purification Methods
It forms an 85% azeotrope with water. After drying with K2CO3 and CaCl2 (with cooling), the ketone is distilled at low pressures. [Beilstein 1 IV 3444.]
