Mesityl oxide
IUPAC name	4-methylpent-3-en-2-one
Other names	Mesityl oxide Isobutenyl methyl ketone Methyl isobutenyl ketone Isopropylidene acetone
Identifiers
CAS number	141-79-7
RTECS number	SB4200000
SMILES	CC(C)=CC(C)=O
InChI	1/C6H10O/c1-5(2)4-6(3)7/h4H,1-3H3
Properties
Molecular formula	C6H10O
Molar mass	98.14 g/mol
Density	0.858 g/cm³
Melting point	-53 °C
Boiling point	129 °C
Solubility in water	good
Solubility in other solvents	organic solvents
Refractive index (nD)	1.442
Hazards
Main hazards	flammable
R-phrases	10-20/21/22
S-phrases	25
Flash point	87 °F
Related compounds
Related compounds	diacetone alcohol acetone, benzylideneacetone
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references

Mesityl oxide is a a,ß-Unsaturated ketone with the formula CH₃C(O)CH=C(CH₃)₂. This compound is a colorless, volatile liquid with a strong peppermint odor.

Synthesis

It is prepared by the condensation of acetone to give diacetone alcohol, which readily dehydrates to give this compound. This type of reaction is called aldol reaction.

A further condensation yields isophorone, which is also used as solvent.

Uses

Mesityl oxide is used as a solvent and in the production of methyl isobutyl ketone.

References

This article's citation style may be unclear. The references used may be clearer with a different or consistent style of citation, footnoting, or external linking. (September 2007)

• Merck Index, 11th Edition, 5811.
• Organic Syntheses, Coll. Vol. 1, p. 345 (1941)

External links

• IPCS INCHEM Description

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