Chemical Properties
Colorless or light yellow transparent liquid
General Description
A clear colorless liquid. Flash point of 52°F. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Hence sinks in water. Vapors heavier than air.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
3-Methyl-3-buten-2-one tends to polymerize; this reaction is mostly suppressed by the inhibitor. Can polymerize if heated or contaminated. If confined in a container when polymerization is initiated, the container may violently rupture [USCG, 1999].
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes irritation of nose and throat. Liquid may cause severe damage to eyes, resulting possibly in some permanent impairment of vision; vapor produces tears. If not removed promptly from skin, liquid may cause delayed pain and blistering. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: May polymerize and explode.
Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire risk, explosivelimits in air 1.8–9.0%.
Definition
ChEBI: 3-Methyl-3-buten-2-one is an olefinic compound. It is functionally related to an acrylic acid.
Production Methods
3-Methyl-3-buten-2-one is produced by acid-catalyzed condensation of 2-butanone with formaldehyde in the liquid phase.
A further possibility is the methylolization of 2-
butanone under alkaline conditions followed by
elimination of water:
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water: No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Will polymerize in the absence of inhibitor, especially when heated; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Up to 1% hydroquinone.
