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
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.
Glacial Acetic Acid Tech grade
Glacial Acetic Acid Tech grade is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent vinegar-like odor. It is a less refined form of acetic acid primarily used for industrial and technical applications rather than food or pharmaceutical uses. Typically available in concentrations ranging from 80% to glacial (99-100%), it serves as a crucial chemical reagent, solvent, and intermediate in various industrial processes.
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.
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone (MIBK) is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sharp, sweet odor. It is a versatile solvent widely used in industrial applications due to its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and chemical stability. MIBK is commonly utilized in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and chemical synthesis.
N propyl Acetate
N propyl Acetate is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid ester with a fruity odor, chemically known as propyl ethanoate. It is widely used as a solvent in coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning agents due to its excellent solvency and moderate evaporation rate. N-Propyl Acetate is valued for its ability to dissolve various resins and polymers, providing good film formation and gloss in paints and coatings.
Shellsol T
Shellsol T is a low aromatic, high-purity petroleum hydrocarbon solvent known for its excellent solvency power and relatively low odor. It is a clear, colorless liquid commonly used in coatings, adhesives, inks, and chemical processing where strong solvency with moderate evaporation rates is needed. Its balanced properties make it suitable for industrial applications requiring controlled drying and good compatibility with various resins and polymers.
White Spirit
White Spirit is a clear, colorless, petroleum-derived solvent widely used in industrial, commercial, and household applications. It is composed primarily of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, offering excellent solvency properties, moderate evaporation rate, and low odor varieties. White Spirit serves as a powerful degreaser, paint thinner, and cleaning agent, facilitating effective removal of oils, greases, and paints.
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.

Preservatives(food)
Flavors
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Oils
Carrier Oills
Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fragrance (Cosmetics)
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders