2-Hexanone
Agent Name
2-Hexanone
Alternative Name
Methyl n-butyl ketone
CAS Number
591-78-6
Formula
C6-H12-O
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
Butyl methyl ketone; MBK; Methyl butyl ketone; Methyl n-butyl ketone; [NIOSH]
Category
Ketones (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with an acetone-like odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
No longer used in the USA, but used in the past in organic synthesis and as a solvent for inks, coatings, adhesives, oils, waxes, etc.; [CHEMINFO]
Comments
The peripheral neuropathy caused by n-hexane and methyl n-butyl ketone is due to the toxic intermediary metabolite, gamma-diketone 2,5-hexanedione. Both of these chemicals have been abused for their acute, euphoric effects. Occupational toxic polyneuropathy was recognized in the 1960s among workers in the shoe and adhesive industries. [LaDou, p. 430] MnBK causes testicular atrophy in male rats after exposure to 700 ppm for 11 weeks. [ACGIH]
Restricted
Not currently produced or used in the US; Production ceased in 1979; [ATSDR ToxProfile]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
BEI
2,5-Hexanedione (free) in urine = 0.4 mg/L end of shift at end of workweek;
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TLV (ACGIH)
5 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
10 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
100 ppm
MAK
5 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
1600 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Volunteers exposed to 1,000 ppm reported a strong odor and transient, moderate eye and nasal irritation [DiVencenzo et al. 1978].
Vapor Pressure
11.6 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.06 ppm
Odor Threshold High
0.08 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 8,000 ppm/4H
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from AIHA; Flash point = 75 deg F; [CHEMINFO] VP from HSDB;
Half Life
No reports found; [TDR, p. 776]
Reference Link #2
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Predominantly motor
Reproductive Toxin
Yes
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: