What Is Diethyl Ketone?
Diethyl ketone, also known as 3-pentanone, is an organic compound with the formula CH3CH2COCH2CH3 or (CH3CH2)2CO. It is a member of the ketone family, characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group in its molecular structure. Its CAS registry number is 96-22-0.
At room temperature, diethyl ketone appears as a colorless to slightly yellow liquid, with an acetone-like odor. It has a molecular weight of 86.13, a melting point of -42°C, a boiling point of 101°C, and a density of 0.816 g/cm3 at 19°C. This compound is a nonprotic polar solvent and is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, benzene, and diethyl ether while being slightly soluble in water (1.7 g/100 mL at 20°C).
Other names for diethyl ketone include metacetone, propion, methacetone, and dimethylacetone.
Uses of Diethyl Ketone
Diethyl ketone is primarily used as a raw material in the pharmaceutical and organic synthesis sectors. It also serves as a solvent in the synthesis of low-molecular-weight organic compounds. However, due to the availability of cheaper and less hazardous alternatives such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), its use is relatively limited.
Principle of Diethyl Ketone
1. Synthesis of Diethyl Ketone
Industrially, diethyl ketone is mainly produced by oxidizing propionic acid with a metal catalyst. It can also be synthesized from ethylene and carbon monoxide using an octacarbonyl dicobalt Co2(CO)8 catalyst.
2. Safety of Diethyl Ketone
Diethyl ketone is a highly flammable liquid with a low flash point of 13°C. It can be ignited by static sparks and forms explosive mixtures with air. It reacts like typical ketones with amines, oxides, reducing agents, amides, and strong metal hydroxides, necessitating caution during handling. Special attention should be given to diethyl ketone peroxide, formed with hydrogen peroxide, which poses an explosion hazard.
Types of Diethyl Ketone
Diethyl ketone is available as reagent products in volumes like 25mL, 100mL, and 500mL, suitable for laboratory use, and can be stored at room temperature. For industrial purposes, it is distributed in larger quantities such as drums, oil cans, or tank containers (150 kg, 15 MT, etc.), making it suitable for large-scale industrial solvent applications.