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Impurities and reference standards

2-Hexanone

Also known as Hexan-2-one, Butyl methyl ketone, Methyl butyl ketone

CAS 591-78-6Formula C6H12OMolar mass 100.16 g/molEC 209-731-1
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard 30 suppliers listed
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2-Hexanone chemical structure, C6H12O, CAS 591-78-6
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-55.5 °C
Boiling point
127.2 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Flash point
25 °C
HS code
291419
Category
Impurities and reference standards
UN number
UN 1224
Illustrative photo, 25 litre white jerry cans of liquid in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is 2-Hexanone?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Methyl butyl ketone appears as a clear colorless liquid. Flash point 95 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
hexan-2-one
CAS number
591-78-6 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 30637-87-7
EC number
209-731-1
Molecular formula
C6H12O
UNII
6QDY60NH6N
MDL number
MFCD00009482
InChIKey
QQZOPKMRPOGIEB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H12O/c1-3-4-5-6(2)7/h3-5H2,1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCCCC(=O)C

Synonyms

  • Hexan-2-one
  • Butyl methyl ketone
  • Methyl butyl ketone
  • 2-Oxohexane
  • Propylacetone
  • Methyl N-butyl ketone
  • n-Butyl methyl ketone
  • Hexanone-2
  • MNBK
  • Ketone, butyl methyl
  • methyl-n-butyl ketone
  • Butylmethyl Ketone
  • 2 Hexanone
  • Hexan 2 one
  • Ketone, Butylmethyl
  • Methyl n Butyl Ketone
  • Ketone, Methyl n-Butyl
  • n-Butyl Ketone, Methyl
  • 2-Hexanone Methyl n-butyl ketone
  • n-C4H9COCH3
  • Sodium Valproate Impurity O
  • methylbutyl ketone
  • 2-Hexanone, analytical standard
  • 2-hexanal
  • hexane-2-one
Show all 33 synonyms
  • 2 -hexanone
  • methyl-4-pentanone
  • 4-01-00-03298 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • 2-hexanone_GurudeebanSatyavani
  • 2-Hexanone, reagent grade, 98%
  • Methylbutylketone
  • 2-Hexanone, purum, >=96.0% (GC)
  • 2-Hexanone Solution in Acetonitrile, 1000ug/mL

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless liquidexp.
Odour
Characteristic acetone like odor, but more pungentexp.
Melting point
-55.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
127.2 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8exp.
Flash point
25 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
423 °Cexp.
Solubility
1.4 wt% in water at 20 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
11.6 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
100.16 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
100.0888 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.77calc.
Topological polar surface area
17.07 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
3calc.
Heavy atoms
7calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.83calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
320NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • H361fSuspected of damaging fertility.
  • H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Precautionary statements (22)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1224
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
III

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

2-Hexanone suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

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Where suppliers are based

30 suppliers in 10 countries

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2-Hexanone price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

MnBK is a ketonic solvent used in a wide variety of materials, including paints, lacquers, ink thinners, nitrocellulose, glues, resins, oils, fats, and waxes, and in printing of plasticized fabric.

It is a medium evaporating solvent for nitrocellulose acrylates, vinyl, and alkyd coatings.

Use classes: Volatile organic compounds.

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient

How it is made

2-Hexanone can be made, in 75% yield, by reaction of acetyl chloride with butylmagnesium chloride.

MnBK can be produced by a reaction between acetic acid and ethylene under pressure with a catalyst.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 606-030-00-6

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Hexan-2-one (Methyl butyl ketone), Ref no: 1074, Annex ref: II/1074

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce, Regulatory flags: Significant new use rule

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code 2-Hexanone is traded under.

HS 2914.19Indicative HS code

Acyclic ketones without other oxygen function, other

World exports in 2024
$264M
+1.7% vs 2023, imports $308M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China27.1%
  2. United States27.0%
  3. Germany10.5%
Top importers
  1. China22.8%
  2. United States13.0%
  3. India * partner reported10.7%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for 2-Hexanone is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about 2-Hexanone, based on the data on this page

What is 2-Hexanone?

Methyl butyl ketone appears as a clear colorless liquid. Flash point 95 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.

What is the CAS number of 2-Hexanone?

The CAS registry number of 2-Hexanone is 591-78-6. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 30637-87-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of 2-Hexanone?

The molecular formula of 2-Hexanone is C6H12O and its molar mass is 100.16 g/mol.

What is 2-Hexanone used for?

MnBK is a ketonic solvent used in a wide variety of materials, including paints, lacquers, ink thinners, nitrocellulose, glues, resins, oils, fats, and waxes, and in printing of plasticized fabric. It is a medium evaporating solvent for nitrocellulose acrylates, vinyl, and alkyd coatings.

Is 2-Hexanone hazardous?

2-Hexanone carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, suspected of damaging fertility. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of 2-Hexanone?

2-Hexanone is usually classified under HS code 291419 (Acyclic ketones without other oxygen function, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy 2-Hexanone?

CompoundList lists 30 suppliers of 2-Hexanone in China, United States, Japan, Australia and 6 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of 2-Hexanone?

Suppliers quote 2-Hexanone on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle 2-Hexanone

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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