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
Ethoxy Propanol
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Ink reducer (Ethanol)
Ink reducer (Ethanol) is a volatile, colorless liquid used to adjust the viscosity, flow, and drying time of printing inks. Composed primarily of high-purity ethanol (ethyl alcohol), it acts as a solvent or diluent in various ink systems—particularly in flexographic, gravure, and screen printing. This reducer enhances printability by improving ink transfer, leveling, and penetration into substrates. Ink reducers based on ethanol are fast-drying and widely compatible with alcohol-soluble and water-alcohol hybrid inks used in packaging, label printing, and paper conversion industries.
Methoxy Propanol Glycol Ether
Methoxy Propanol Glycol Ether, commonly known as PM Glycol Ether, is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild ether-like odor. It belongs to the glycol ether family and is widely used as a solvent in coatings, inks, cleaning products, and industrial applications due to its excellent solvency, low volatility, and favorable evaporation rate. PM Glycol Ether is miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it versatile for a broad range of formulations.
Methoxy Propyl Acetate
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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.
Normal Butanol
Normal Butanol is a straight-chain primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor. Known for its good solvent properties and moderate evaporation rate, n-Butanol is widely used in industrial applications such as solvents for paints, coatings, adhesives, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
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.

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