Acetophenone

1Identification

Name

Acetophenone

IUPAC name

1-phenylethanone

CAS number

98-86-2

EC number

202-708-7

Molecular formula

C8H8O

Molecular weight

120.15 g/mol

InChIKey

KWOLFJPFCHCOCG-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1

PubChem CID

7410

Synonyms

1-Phenylethanone, Methyl phenyl ketone, Phenyl methyl ketone, Acetylbenzene, Hypnone, Ethanone, 1-phenyl-, Benzoyl methide, Acetophenon, 1-phenylethan-1-one, Acetylbenzol, 1-Phenyl-1-ethanone, Benzoylmethide, Acetofenon, Benzene, acetyl-

Recommended uses

• Acetophenone is used in perfumery as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes; as a flavoring agent in foods, nonalcoholic beverages, and tobacco; as a specialty solvent for plastics and resins; as a catalyst for the polymerization of olefins; and in organic syntheses as a photosensitizer.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used in textile coatings; [Olson, p. 661] Used in perfumes for orange blossom odor; Also used in organic synthesis and as a polymerization catalyst for olefins; [Merck Index] Used in the past as an analgesic and anesthetic; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent in plastics and resins and a flavoring agent in foods; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Solvent Processing aids not otherwise specified Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Intermediate Fragrance 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

• Acetophenone appears as a colorless liquid with a sweet pungent taste and odor resembling the odor of oranges. Freezes under cool conditions. Slightly soluble in water and denser than water. Hence sinks in water. Vapor heavier than air. A mild irritant to skin and eyes. Vapors can be narcotic in high concentrations. Used as a flavoring, solvent, and polymerization catalyst.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Acetophenone is a methyl ketone that is acetone in which one of the methyl groups has been replaced by a phenyl group. It has a role as a xenobiotic, a photosensitizing agent and an animal metabolite.
  ChEBI
• Acetophenone is used for fragrance in soaps and perfumes, as a flavoring agent in foods, and as a solvent for plastics and resins. Acute (short-term) exposure to acetophenone vapor may produce skin irritation and transient corneal injury in humans. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of acetophenone in humans. EPA has classified acetophenone as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 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)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• No toxicity expected from inhalation or ingestion except slight narcotic effect. Liquid can cause eye and skin irritation on contact. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. 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. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids will float on water. Substance may be transported hot.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Above 77 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Acetophenone is used for fragrance in soaps and perfumes, as a flavoring agent in foods, and as a solvent for plastics and resins. Acute (short-term) exposure to acetophenone vapor may produce skin irritation and transient corneal injury in humans. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of acetophenone in humans. EPA has classified acetophenone as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• A skin and eye irritant; Can cause CNS depression at high concentrations; [Olson, p. 661] Inhalation of high concentration can cause unconsciousness; [ICSC] In rats, the lethal concentration is >210 ppm for 8 hours; In mice, the lethal concentration (LC50) is 1200 mg/m3/4H (244 ppm/4H); [RTECS] TLV Basis: Irritation, CNS impairment; Pregnancy loss; [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

• SKIN OR EYE CONTACT: irrigate affected area with water for 15 min. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

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

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Poisonous gases, including carbon monoxide, are produced in fire.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: 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

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. 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.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapours accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Use foam spray to reduce vapors. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Ventilate area of spill or leak after cleanup is complete. Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. Keep acetophenone out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the potential for an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. 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.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants and strong bases. Ventilation along the floor.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Light sensitive. Store under inert gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in a flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet away from ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials. ... Before entering confined space where acetophenone may be present, check to make sure than an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area. Metal containers involving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquid from drums or other storage containers to process containers. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separated from strong oxidants. Ventilation along the floor.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Protect eyes and skin from direct contact. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Tightly fitting safety goggles. Faceshield (8-inch minimum). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• ACETOPHENONE reacts with many acids and bases liberating heat and flammable gases (e.g., H2). Reacts with many oxidizing agents. Reacts with reducing agents such as hydrides, alkali metals, and nitrides to produce flammable gas (H2) and heat. The amount of heat in these reactions may be sufficient to start a fire in the unreacted portion. Incompatible with isocyanates, aldehydes, cyanides, peroxides, and anhydrides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Slightly soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong reducing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, strong bases, and strong reducing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
  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

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U004, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: This combustible material may be burned in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT label

• Combustible Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Acetophenone is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of acetophenone are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: attractant. Limit: none.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U004; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when acetophenone, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Acetophenone 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 b) 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 7410 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.