2-Pentanone (MPK) CAS 107-87-9

Introduction to 2-Pentanone

2-Pentanone, also referred to as methyl propyl ketone, is a straight-chain aliphatic ketone with the carbonyl group located on the second carbon atom. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature and carries a characteristic ketone odor milder than acetone. It mixes freely with most common organic solvents and shows moderate solubility in water.

Industrial production relies primarily on catalytic oxidation of n-pentanol or ketonization processes. The compound exhibits typical ketone reactivity including addition, condensation and reduction reactions. Its evaporation rate sits between acetone and methyl isobutyl ketone, giving formulators precise control over drying speed and film leveling.

2-Pentanone Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of 2-Pentanone

Coatings and printing inks: Used as an active solvent in nitrocellulose lacquers, acrylic coatings and screen printing inks. Its medium evaporation profile improves film flow and reduces blushing and pinhole formation during curing.

Adhesives and cleaning agents: Incorporated into solvent-based adhesives and precision electronic cleaning formulations. It dissolves a wide range of resins and oily soils with low residual content after evaporation.

Extraction and separation processes: Applied as a selective extraction solvent in petrochemical and fine chemical purification. It separates organic mixtures with better selectivity than lower boiling ketones.

Chemical synthesis building block: Serves as a raw material for pharmaceutical intermediates, flavor compounds and rubber processing chemicals.

Storage & Safety Precautions

• Store in tightly sealed steel drums in a dedicated flammable liquid warehouse. Keep away from open flame, heat sources and strong oxidizing agents. Maintain storage temperature below 30 °C.
• Wear chemical splash goggles, nitrile rubber gloves and flame-resistant work clothing during transfer operations. Use local exhaust ventilation in charging areas to control vapor concentration.
• Bond and ground all containers and transfer lines to prevent static buildup. Inspect drum seals regularly for leakage. Keep bulk storage tanks equipped with flame arrestors and pressure relief vents.

2-Pentanone FAQ

Q: What is 2-Pentanone (MPK) most commonly used for?

A: It acts mainly as a medium-evaporation solvent for coatings, inks and adhesives. It also supports extraction processes and fine chemical intermediate production.

Q: How fast does 2-Pentanone evaporate compared to acetone?

A: 2-Pentanone evaporates slower than acetone but faster than MIBK. This balanced speed supports better film leveling and fewer surface defects in coating applications.

Q: What storage rules apply to industrial 2-Pentanone?

A: Store in sealed drums in a cool, ventilated flammable liquid area. Keep away from heat and oxidizers. Bond all transfer equipment to prevent static discharge.