Mesityl oxide

Synonyms

2,2-Dimethylvinyl methyl ketone; 2-Methyl-2-pentenone-4; 2-Methyl-4-oxo-2-pentene; 3-Isohexen-2-one; 3-Penten-2-one, 4-methyl-; 4-Methyl-3-penten-2-on [Dutch, German]; 4-Methyl-3-penten-2-one; 4-Metil-3-penten-2-one [Italian]; Acetone, isopropylidene-; Isobutenyl methyl ketone; Isopropylidene acetone; Isopropylideneacetone; Mesityl oxide; Mesityloxid [German]; Mesityloxyde [Dutch]; Methyl 2,2-dimethylvinyl ketone; Methyl 2-methyl-1-propenyl ketone; Methyl isobutenyl ketone; Mibk; Ossido di mesitile [Italian]; Oxyde de mesityle [French]; [ChemIDplus] UN1229

Category

Aliphatic Ketones, Other

Description

Oily, colorless to light-yellow liquid with a peppermint- or honey-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Mesityl oxide has many uses as an industrial solvent. It is used as a paint remover and insect repellent. [ACGIH] Used as a solvent for resins, lacquers, enamels, rubber, inks, and oils; [HSDB]

Comments

Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure. [CHRIS] Narcosis is induced in acute inhalation studies, and animals develop renal tubular degeneration and hepatic necrosis in subchronic studies. [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [CHEMINFO] A skin irritant and severe eye irritant; [CAMEO]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

15 ppm

25 ppm

25 ppm

2 ppm

1400 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: The probable response to 100 ppm was predicted to be eye and mucous membrane irritation, difficulty breathing, headache, and vertigo [Shell 1957]. It has been stated that 5,000 ppm might be dangerous to life in 30 to 60 minutes [Smyth et al. 1942].

8.21 mm Hg

0.01 ppm

Odor Threshold High

12 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 9,000 mg/m3/4H

Explanatory Notes

IDLH = 10% LEL (lower explosive limit); Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.017 ppm); Flash point = 31 deg C; VP from HSDB;

Reference Link #2

may ignite at ambient temp

Yes

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Skin burns

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing