Ethyl ketone

1Identification

Name

Ethyl ketone

IUPAC name

pentan-3-one

CAS number

96-22-0

EC number

202-490-3

Molecular formula

C5H10O

Molecular weight

86.13 g/mol

InChIKey

FDPIMTJIUBPUKL-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCC(=O)CC

PubChem CID

7288

Synonyms

Pentan-3-one, Diethyl ketone, Dimethylacetone, Methacetone, Propione, Metacetone, Ethyl ketone, Diethylcetone, Pentanone-3, Ethyl propionyl, RefChem:95267, DEK, Diethylcetone [French], diethylketon

Recommended uses

• Used as a paint solvent and in organic synthesis; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Medicine, organic synthesis.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Intermediate Cleaning agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Diethyl ketone appears as a clear colorless liquid with an acetone-like odor. Flash point 55 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Pentan-3-one is a pentanone that is pentane carrying an oxo group at position 3. It has been isolated from Triatoma brasiliensis and Triatoma infestans. It has a role as an animal metabolite.
  ChEBI
• 3-pentanone has been reported in Perilla frutescens, Basella alba, and other organisms with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07

Classification source

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

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

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

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  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

• Liquid causes eye burn. Vapor irritates eyes, nose and throat; can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and loss of consciousness. (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

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]: 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.
  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

• A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC]; Can cause headache, dizziness, weakness, and loss of consciousness; [CAMEO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 3-pentanone stem from its toxicologic properties and flammability. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact), exposure to this colorless acetone-smelling liquid may occur from its use in organic syntheses. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin and eyes, tachycardia, nausea, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, fainting, coma and death. Both the OSHA PEL and the ACGIH TLV have been set at a TWA of 200 ppm. In activities or situations where over-exposure may occur, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diethyl ketone: 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: SOAP WASH - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
  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: Soap wash - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. 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. Shortness of breath.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Dry skin.
  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)
• WATER MAY BE INEFFECTIVE FIGHTING FIRES WITH LOW FLASH POINT. ALCOHOL FOAM.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinquish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  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

• Evacuate danger area! Remove all ignition sources. Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable metal (mild steel) 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 comfined 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. Well closed. Separated from oxidants. Ventilation along the floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Diethyl ketone must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizing materials (such as peroxides, perchlorates, chlorates, permanganates, and nitrates) Since violent reactions may occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from sources of heat. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where diethyl ketone is handled, used or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of diethyl ketone should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Diethyl ketone: Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc. 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
• /Wear/ safety spectacles, protective gloves. /Use/ ventilation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• Important additional information about respirator selection
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• DIETHYL KETONE is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers, alkalis, mineral acids, (hydrogen peroxide + nitric acid) (NIOSH, 2024).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Violent reaction with oxidizers, causing fire and explosion hazard. Forms explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with strong acids, aliphatic amines. Attacks many plastics, rubber and coatings. May accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. ... Reacts with hydrogen peroxide + nitric acid to form a shock- and heat-sensitive explosive peroxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Unless the temp and concn of reagents were carefully controlled, mixtures of hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid and acetone overheated and exploded violently. Under controlled conditions, the explosive dimeric or trimeric acetone peroxides were produced. 2-Butanone and 3-pentanone gave shock and heat sensitive peroxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

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

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract.
  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

• 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)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1156

Shipping name

• UN 1156; Diethyl ketone
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 3.2; Diethyl ketone
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Diethyl ketone
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1156
  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

• 1156 127
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date 9/29/2006, Reporting date 11/28/2006.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

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

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7288 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.