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Synthetic aroma chemicals

Acetoin

Also known as 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 3-hydroxybutan-2-one, Dimethylketol

CAS 513-86-0Formula C4H8O2Molar mass 88.11 g/molEC 208-174-1
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Corrosive, Harmful or irritant 64 suppliers listed
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Acetoin chemical structure, C4H8O2, CAS 513-86-0
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Slightly yellow liquid or crystals
Melting point
15 °C
Boiling point
148 °C
Density
0.9972 g/cm³ at 17 °C
Flash point
41.1 °C
HS code
291440
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
UN number
UN 2621
Illustrative photo, blue HDPE drums with a pale yellow liquid sample in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Acetoin?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Acetoin is a methyl ketone that is butan-2-one substituted by a hydroxy group at position 3. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone and a methyl ketone.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3-hydroxybutan-2-one
CAS number
513-86-0 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 51555-24-9, 52217-02-4
EC number
208-174-1
Molecular formula
C4H8O2
UNII
BG4D34CO2H
MDL number
MFCD00004521
INCI name
ACETOIN
InChIKey
ROWKJAVDOGWPAT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C4H8O2/c1-3(5)4(2)6/h3,5H,1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(C(=O)C)O

Synonyms

  • 3-hydroxy-2-butanone
  • 3-hydroxybutan-2-one
  • Dimethylketol
  • Acetyl methyl carbinol
  • acetylmethylcarbinol
  • 2,3-Butanolone
  • 2-Butanone, 3-hydroxy-
  • 2-Hydroxy-3-butanone
  • 1-Hydroxyethyl methyl ketone
  • Methanol, acetylmethyl-
  • Acethoin
  • gamma-Hydroxy-beta-oxobutane
  • DL-Acetoin
  • 2-Acetoin
  • 3H-2B butanone
  • Acetoin (natural)
  • 3-hydroxyl-2-butanone
  • 2-Butanol-3-one
  • (+/-)-Acetoin
  • 2-hydroxy-3-oxobutane
  • (+/-)-3-Hydroxybutan-2-one
  • Acetoin (~90%)
  • Butan-2-ol-3-one
  • 1-Hydroxethyl methyl ketone
  • acetoine
Show all 37 synonyms
  • acetylmethyl-
  • beta-oxobutane
  • 2-Butanone, 3-hydroxy-, (R)-
  • b-oxobutane
  • Acetoin dimer
  • 3-Oxo-2-butanol
  • Acetoin monomer
  • di-Methylketol
  • Methanol, acetylmethyl
  • 3-hydroxy-2-oxobutane
  • 2-butanone, 3-hydroxy
  • 3-hydroxy-butan-2-one

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
Slightly yellow liquid or crystalsexp.
Odour
Buttery odorexp.
Taste
FATTY CREAMY "TUB" BUTTER TASTEexp.
Melting point
15 °Cexp.
Boiling point
148 °Cexp.
Density
0.9972 g/cm³ at 17 °Cexp.
Flash point
41.1 °Cexp.
Solubility
Miscible in water.exp.
Vapour pressure
2.7 × 10⁺⁰ at 25 °C /Estimated/exp.

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
88.11 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
88.0524 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.04calc.
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
6calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.75calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
1calc.
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
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H226Flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H228Flammable solid.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary statements (21)
  • 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.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2621
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

Acetoin suppliers

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All 64 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

64 suppliers in 11 countries

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Acetoin 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

Aroma carrier, prepn of flavors & essences.

Used for flavoring margarine.

Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name ACETOIN(perfuming)

Roles

  • metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming

How it is made

A product of fermentation, also in cream ripened for churning. Obtained by the action of sorbose bacteria or Mycoderma aceti on 2,3-butanediol or by the action of fungi, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mycoderma on sugar cane juice.

From diacetyl by partial reduction with Zn and acid

Acetoin is an optically active compd. The d (-) acetyl methyl carbinol is obtained from fermentation and in mixture with other products, from the catalytic oxidation of 2,3-butanediol.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Acetoin is traded under.

HS 2914.40Indicative HS code

Ketone-alcohols and ketone-aldehydes

World exports in 2024
$199M
+2.5% vs 2023, imports $247M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China29.5%
  2. Germany14.4%
  3. Netherlands12.7%
Top importers
  1. United States37.2%
  2. Netherlands8.5%
  3. Germany6.4%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

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

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Acetoin, based on the data on this page

What is Acetoin?

Acetoin is a methyl ketone that is butan-2-one substituted by a hydroxy group at position 3. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a secondary alpha-hydroxy ketone and a methyl ketone.

What is the CAS number of Acetoin?

The CAS registry number of Acetoin is 513-86-0. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 51555-24-9, 52217-02-4.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Acetoin?

The molecular formula of Acetoin is C4H8O2 and its molar mass is 88.11 g/mol.

What is Acetoin used for?

Aroma carrier, prepn of flavors & essences. Used for flavoring margarine. Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Is Acetoin hazardous?

Acetoin carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: flammable liquid and vapour, flammable solid, causes skin irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Acetoin?

Acetoin is usually classified under HS code 291440 (Ketone-alcohols and ketone-aldehydes). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Acetoin?

CompoundList lists 64 suppliers of Acetoin in China, United States, India, Germany and 7 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Acetoin in India?

4 suppliers in India list Acetoin on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Acetoin?

Suppliers quote Acetoin 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 Acetoin

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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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