Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone: properties, applications and safety

General Description

Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone is a clear, colorless, fruity-odored organic compound with the formula C5H8O. It's moderately water-soluble, highly soluble in organic solvents, and flammable. Exposure to Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. It is primarily used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries as an intermediate in drug synthesis, complex organic compounds, polymers, resins, and agrochemicals production. Despite its broad applications, Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone poses significant safety concerns due to its toxicity and flammability, necessitating strict safety measures such as protective wear, careful handling, and controlled storage.

Figure 1. Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone

Properties

Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct, fruity odor. It is an organic compound with the molecular formula C5H8O, and falls under the category of ketones. Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone has a molecular weight of 84.12 g/mol and a boiling point of approximately 106-107 degrees Celsius. It is moderately soluble in water but shows good solubility in most organic solvents such as ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform. Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone exhibits flammability, thus it should be handled with care to avoid ignition sources. Its vapor can form explosive mixtures with air. In terms of health hazards, exposure to Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Therefore, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment when handling this compound. Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone is used in various chemical syntheses, particularly in pharmaceuticals. ¹

Applications

Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone is a versatile compound with multiple applications in various fields, primarily in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It serves as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of numerous pharmaceutical drugs due to its unique structural features and reactivity. For instance, it plays a pivotal role in the production of antiviral drugs, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory medications. In the chemical industry, Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone is commonly used in the synthesis of complex organic compounds owing to its three-membered ring structure that can undergo various chemical transformations. It is also utilized in the creation of polymers and resins, contributing to material science advancements. Furthermore, Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone finds application in the field of agrochemicals. It is used in the production of certain pesticides and herbicides, helping to enhance crop protection strategies. It's important to note that while Cyclopropyl Methyl Ketone has wide-ranging applications, its handling and use require appropriate safety measures due to its flammable nature and potential health hazards. Therefore, its use should always be conducted in controlled environments under expert supervision. ²

Safety

Cyclopropyl methyl ketone is a chemical compound that poses significant safety concerns due to its toxic and flammable properties. As a dermatotoxin, it can cause skin burns and is classified as a mild skin irritant. In fact, studies have shown that the dermal lethal dose for rats exceeds 2,000 mg/kg, indicating its potential to cause severe harm upon contact. Moreover, Cyclopropyl methyl ketone is not only harmful when it comes into contact with skin, but it is also highly toxic if ingested. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid any accidental ingestion of this substance. Its toxicity extends to the eyes as well, as it can cause severe eye damage and irritation. This necessitates the use of appropriate personal protective equipment when handling this substance to prevent direct contact with the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Furthermore, Cyclopropyl methyl ketone is characterized by its high flammability both in liquid and vapor forms. This makes it a serious fire hazard, and therefore, it should be handled with extreme caution, especially near heat sources or open flames. In summary, due to its toxicity, irritancy, and flammability, strict safety measures must be implemented when dealing with Cyclopropyl methyl ketone. These include the use of protective wear, careful handling to avoid ingestion or contact, and controlled storage away from heat sources to prevent accidental ignition. ³

Reference

1. PubChem. COMPOUND SUMMARY: Cyclopropyl methyl ketone. National Library of Medicine, PubChem CID: 13004.

2. Cyclopropyl methyl ketone. Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases, CAS Number: 765-43-5.

3. Cyclopropyl methyl ketone. European Chemicals Agency.

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