Acetoin

Agent Name
Acetoin
Alternative Name
Acetyl methyl carbinol
CAS Number
513-86-0
Formula
C4-H8-O2
Major Category
Other Uses
Acetoin formula graphical representation
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

Exposure Assessment

Vapor Pressure
2.69 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 41 deg C; [HSDB] VP from ChemIDplus;

Adverse Effects

Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: