Isophorone
Isophorone is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, ketone-like odor. Chemically classified as a cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone (3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one), it is a solvent widely used in industrial applications. It has good solvency properties for resins, paints, coatings, and inks, combined with relatively slow evaporation compared to other ketones. Isophorone is miscible with many organic solvents and used extensively in manufacturing and chemical synthesis.
Isophorone
Primary Uses
- Solvent in Coatings and Paints
- Used as a solvent for paints, varnishes, lacquers, and coatings to dissolve resins and improve application properties.
- Provides slow evaporation rate, improving flow and leveling of coatings.
- Adhesives and Inks
- Employed as a solvent in adhesives and printing inks for enhanced drying and film formation.
- Chemical Intermediate
- Used as an intermediate in the synthesis of herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other organic chemicals.
- Cleaning and Degreasing
- Utilized in industrial cleaning formulations to remove oils, greases, and other residues from metal and machinery parts.
Secondary Uses
- Polymer Industry
- Applied as a solvent or processing aid in polymer synthesis and modification, including polymer coatings and films.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Used as a reagent and solvent in chemical research and analytical laboratories.
- Leather Industry
- Employed in leather processing as a solvent for dyes and finishing agents.
- Textile Industry
- Occasionally used as a solvent for textile dyes and in fabric finishing processes.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): 3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one
- Common/Trade Name: Isophorone
- CAS Number: 78-59-1
- HS Code: 2914.11.00
- Synonyms: 3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one; β-Isophorone
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; pungent ketone-like odor
- Boiling Point: 215–217 °C
- Melting Point: −8 °C
- Density: 0.94 g/cm³ (approx.)
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
- Vapor Pressure: Moderate at room temperature
- Flash Point: Approximately 81 °C
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification:
- Flammable liquid (Category 3)
- Causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation
- May cause respiratory irritation
- Possible reproductive toxicity
Toxicity:
- Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through skin; prolonged exposure may cause adverse health effects
Exposure Limits:
- Occupational exposure limits vary; use appropriate ventilation and PPE
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions:
- Store in cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames
Container Type:
- Stored in tightly closed metal or plastic containers resistant to solvents
Shelf Life:
- Stable under recommended storage conditions for up to 2 years
Handling Precautions:
- Avoid inhalation, skin, and eye contact
- Use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, respirator as needed)
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with chemical safety regulations worldwide (OSHA, REACH, EPA)
- Subject to flammable liquid storage and transportation regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Moderately biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life; avoid release to environment
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogen
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required:
- Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, and respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate
Handling Guidelines:
- Handle in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods
- Avoid sources of ignition and static discharge
Storage Measures:
- Store away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and acids
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; obtain medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek medical attention promptly
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Flammable; emits toxic fumes when heated or burning
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes
Related products
Butyl Acetate
Butyl Acetate is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pleasant fruity odor similar to pears or bananas. It is an ester formed from butanol and acetic acid. Due to its excellent solvent properties, moderate evaporation rate, and relatively low toxicity, it is widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, food flavoring, and cosmetic applications. It dissolves many resins and polymers and is prized for improving flow and finish in coatings and inks.
Butyl Glycol
Butyl Glycol, also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, sweet ether-like odor. It is an organic solvent classified as a glycol ether, with the molecular formula C6H14O2. Butyl Glycol is highly miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents. It is widely used in industrial and commercial applications due to its excellent solvent properties, low volatility, and moderate toxicity. Its high solvency and compatibility with both aqueous and organic phases make it valuable in coatings, cleaning products, inks, and adhesives.
Carbon Disulfide
Carbon Disulfide (CS₂) is a volatile, flammable, and highly toxic organic solvent composed of carbon and sulfur. At 99% purity, it is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, sweet, ether-like odor. Carbon Disulfide is produced primarily by the reaction of carbon (charcoal) with sulfur vapors at high temperatures. Due to its excellent solvent properties and reactivity, it is used across multiple industries, including the production of rayon, cellophane, rubber chemicals, and pesticides. Despite its utility, Carbon Disulfide requires careful handling because of its toxicity, flammability, and environmental hazards.
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, also known as 2-Ethoxyethanol or Ethyl Cellosolve, is a clear, colorless, and hygroscopic liquid with moderate volatility and excellent solvency. It belongs to the glycol ether family and is widely used as a solvent and coalescing agent due to its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and has a moderate boiling point (~135°C). It finds extensive applications across coatings, inks, adhesives, cleaners, and chemical synthesis industries.
Methoxy Propyl Acetate
Methoxy Propyl Acetate is a clear, colorless liquid solvent with a mild fruity odor. It is an ester derived from methoxy propanol and acetic acid, widely used in coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning products due to its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and good compatibility with various resins. PMA offers low volatility and strong solvency for a broad range of materials, making it ideal for industrial and commercial applications.
N-Butanol
N-Butanol (1-butanol) is a four-carbon linear alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₉OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. N-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. Its moderate volatility and solvent properties make it valuable in industrial and commercial applications.
N-Propanol
N-Propanol, also known as n-Propyl Alcohol or 1-Propanol, is a clear, colorless, low-viscosity liquid with a characteristic mild alcohol-like odor. It is a primary alcohol with the molecular formula C₃H₈O, fully miscible with water and common organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, ethers, glycols, and hydrocarbons. This high-purity, semi-volatile, polar solvent serves as both a versatile solvent and a chemical intermediate across multiple industrial sectors. N-Propanol has a flash point of 15–23°C and is classified as a highly flammable liquid. Technical grade N-Propanol is manufactured for industrial applications and is not intended for direct human consumption unless specifically certified as USP or Food Grade.
Xylene
Xylene is a clear, colorless, flammable aromatic hydrocarbon solvent consisting of three isomers: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene. It is widely utilized in various industries for its excellent solvency, chemical stability, and moderate evaporation rate. Xylene serves as a key raw material in chemical manufacturing and an effective solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning applications.

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