Methyl isobutyl ketone

Agent Name
Methyl isobutyl ketone
Alternative Name
Hexone
CAS Number
108-10-1
Formula
C6-H12-O
Major Category
Solvents
Methyl isobutyl ketone formula graphical representation
Synonyms
2-Methyl-4-pentanone; 2-Methylpropyl methyl ketone; 2-Pentanone, 4-methyl-; 4-Methyl-2-oxopentane; 4-Methyl-2-pentanon [Czech]; 4-Methyl-2-pentanone; 4-Methyl-2-pentanone (natural); 4-Methyl-pentan-2-on [Dutch, German]; 4-Metilpentan-2-one [Italian]; Hexanone; Hexon [Czech]; Hexone; Isobutyl methyl ketone; Isobutyl-methylketon [Czech]; Isohexanone; Isopropyl acetone; Isopropylacetone; Ketone, isobutyl methyl; MIBK; Methyl isobutyl ketone; Methyl-isobutyl-cetone [French]; Methylisobutylketon [Dutch, German]; Metilisobutilchetone [Italian]; Metyloizobutyloketon [Polish]; Shell MIBK; [ChemIDplus] UN1245
Category
Ketones (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a solvent in the paint, synthetic resin, adhesive, aircraft, and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries; [ACGIH]
Comments
MIBK is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] Fatty livers are observed in guinea pigs exposed to lethal concentrations (28,000 ppm). [HSDB] "TLV basis" is eye and respiratory tract irritation and kidney damage. [ACGIH]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

BEI
MIBK in urine = 1 mg/L; sample at end of shift; [ACGIH]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
20 ppm
STEL (ACGIH)
75 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
100 ppm
MAK
20 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
500 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Among a group of workers exposed to concentrations of 500 ppm for 20 to 30 minutes and about 80 ppm for the rest of the shift, most experienced irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a sore throat [Linari et al. 1964].
Vapor Pressure
19.9 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.1 ppm
Odor Threshold High
7.8 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 100,000 mg/m3
Explanatory Notes
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.88 ppm); Flash point = 23 deg C; VP from HSDB;
Half Life
Blood: initial fast phase = 12 minutes, then slow phase = 1 hour; [TDR, p. 886]
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Nephrotoxin
Yes
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: