2-Pentanone

1Identification

Name

2-Pentanone

IUPAC name

pentan-2-one

CAS number

107-87-9

EC number

203-528-1

Molecular formula

C5H10O

Molecular weight

86.13 g/mol

InChIKey

XNLICIUVMPYHGG-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCC(=O)C

PubChem CID

7895

Synonyms

2-Pentanone, METHYL PROPYL KETONE, Ethyl acetone, Ethylacetone, Methyl n-propyl ketone, Propyl methyl ketone, Metylopropyloketon, Methylpropyl ketone, Methyl-propyl-cetone, 4-methyl-2-butanone, Methyl-n-propyl ketone, RefChem:88968, Pentanone, pentanone-2

Recommended uses

• Used as a solvent, a flavoring agent, and in organic synthesis; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent for lacquers and surface coatings; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• SYNTHETIC FLAVOR INGREDIENT
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Solvent Other Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index

Description

• Methyl propyl ketone appears as a clear colorless liquid with the odor of fingernail polish. Flash point 45 °F. Less dense than water and soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Density 0.809 g / cm3. Vapors heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Pentan-2-one is a pentanone carrying an oxo substituent at position 2. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a pentanone and a methyl ketone.
  ChEBI
• 2-pentanone has been reported in Aloe africana, Malpighia emarginata, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

3 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Exposure can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapors and toxic gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, may be formed when involved in fire. Behavior in Fire: Flashback along vapor trail may occur. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Causes CNS depression and fatty degeneration of the liver after inhalation of high doses by experimental animals; A respiratory tract irritant; [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water. Where there is evidence of skin irritation, get medical attention. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Lethargy. Headache. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Dry skin. Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. AFFF, alcohol-resistant foam, powder, carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep this chemical out of a confined space ... because of the possibility of an explosion ... It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from oxidizers. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where this chemical is handled, used or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of this chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for 2-Pentanone: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100 °F). Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Protective gloves. Protective clothing. Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection. Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The low degree of toxicity of methyl n-propyl ketone would indicate its relative safety provided skin and eye protection are available. Inhalation should not be hazardous if adequate ventilation is provided.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin contacts should be avoided by the use of protective gloves; goggles may also be necessary to prevent eye contact. /Ketones/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH Up to 1500 ppm: (APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)* (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)* (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator* (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that ha…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• METHYL PROPYL KETONE is incompatible with oxidizing agents, strong bases and reducing agents. Reacts violently with bromine trifluoride (NTP, 1992).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Above flash point explosive vapor/air mixtures may be formed. Reacts violently with strong oxidizers, brome trifluoride, strong bases, amines, and isocyanates.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• During evaporation of solvent hydrogen fluoride, an exothermic reaction between residual ketone and bromine trifluoride set in and accelerated to explosion.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Oxidizers, bromine trifluoride
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Exposure above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incineration /SRP: with effective emission controls./
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... In this study, a strain of the dimorphic black yeast Exophiala lecanii-corni, which has been shown to degrade high concentrations of toluene in a bioreactor, was evaluated for its ability to degrade a variety of VOCs, both individually and in mixtures. The fungus was found to be able to use toluene, ethyl benzene, methyl propyl ketone, n-butyl acetate, and ethyl ethoxypropionate as sole sources of carbon and energy; however, E. lecanii-corni was unable to degrade either xylene or benzene. When mixtures of chemicals were added to cultures of E. lecanii-corni, the fungus again degraded all of the chemicals except xylene and benzene. ... . These preliminary studies indicate that E.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1249

Shipping name

• UN 1249; Methyl propyl ketone
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.2; Methyl propyl ketone
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Methyl propyl ketone
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1249
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (49 eCFR § 173.120)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1249 127
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Methyl propyl ketone is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7895 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.