Acetoin

Synonyms

Acetyl methyl carbinol; 1-Hydroxyethyl methyl ketone; 2,3-Butanolone; 2-Butanone, 3-hydroxy-; 2-Hydroxy-3-butanone; 3-Hydroxy-2-butanone; Acethoin; Acetoin (natural); Acetylmethylcarbinol; Dimethylketol; Methanol, acetylmethyl-; gamma-Hydroxy-beta-oxobutane; Butan-2-ol-3-one; [ChemIDplus] UN2621

Category

Food Additives

Description

Slightly yellow liquid; [Hawley] Forms solid dimer (C8H16O4) on standing or treatment with granulated zinc; [Merck Index] Slightly yellow liquid or paste; mp = 15 deg C; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used as a carrier for aromas and flavors; [Hawley]

Comments

A fermentation product; Oxidized in mammals to carbon dioxide; [ChemIDplus] Endogenously formed in humans by pyruvate conversion; Intraperitoneal injection in rats caused intoxication similar to ethyl alcohol; Increased liver weights in rats after subchronic feeding studies; Oral LD50 (rat) >5000 mg/kg; [HSDB] May cause irritation or burns to skin and eyes; [CAMEO] An irritant; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

2.69 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = 41 deg C; [HSDB] VP from ChemIDplus;

Acute solvent syndrome

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

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect