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Chemical substance

Ketene

Also known as Ethenone, Carbomethene, Keto-ethylene

CAS 463-51-4Formula C2H2OMolar mass 42.04 g/molEC 207-336-9
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Corrosive, Acute toxicity (severe), Harmful or irritant 3 suppliers listed
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Ketene chemical structure, C2H2O, CAS 463-51-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless gas
Melting point
-150 °C
Boiling point
-56 °C
Density
1.45(relative gas density)
Flash point
Flammable gas
HS code
294200
Illustrative photo, a bundle of gas cylinders on a manifold in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Ketene?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Ketene appears as a colorless highly reactive gas with a penetrating odor. mp: -150 °C, bp: -56 °C. Reacts violently with water. Soluble in diethyl ether and acetone. Severely irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Used is the manufacture of acetic anhydride, sorbic acid, cinnamic acids, chloroacetyl chloride and other materials. Readily polymerizes and cannot be shipped or stored. Is obtained instead as needed from diketene. DIKETENE (CAS: 674-82-8, Formula: C4H2O2 ) is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. mp: -6.5 °C, bp: 127 °C. Density 1.08 g/cm3. Reacts violently with water. Is obtained from the dimerization of ketene and can be stored and transported under refrigeration. A severe lachrymator (irritates the eyes, the respiratory tract, and the skin as well). Depolymerizes at 650 °C to give ketene.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
ethenone
CAS number
463-51-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 12071-23-7
EC number
207-336-9
Molecular formula
C2H2O
UNII
LEP3SM032A
InChIKey
CCGKOQOJPYTBIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H2O/c1-2-3/h1H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C=C=O

Synonyms

  • Ethenone
  • Carbomethene
  • Keto-ethylene
  • Ketoethylene
  • Ethylenone
  • KETEN
  • oxoethylene
  • Ethylenone #
  • Carbon oxide (c2o)

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 gasexp.
Odour
PENETRATING ODORexp.
Taste
DISAGREEABLE TASTEexp.
Melting point
-150 °Cexp.
Boiling point
-56 °Cexp.
Density
1.45(relative gas density)exp.
Flash point
Flammable gasexp.
Solubility
Solubility in water: reactionexp.
Vapour pressure
1.04 × 10⁺⁴ mm Hg @ 25 °C /calculated from experimentally derived coefficients/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
42.04 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
42.0106 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0calc.
Topological polar surface area
17.07 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
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
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H220Extremely flammable gas.
  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (26)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P222Do not allow contact with air.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P377Leaking gas fire: do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely.
  • P381In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

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

Ketene suppliers

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

All 3 suppliers
  • Ambinter
    France, OrleansUnclaimed profile
    KeteneGrade, purity and minimum order on request
    Price on request
    View
  • Debye Scientific Co., Ltd.
    Hong Kong, Hong KongUnclaimed profile
    KeteneGrade, purity and minimum order on request
    Price on request
    View
  • Hairui Chemical
    China, HangzhouUnclaimed profile
    KeteneGrade, purity and minimum order on request
    Price on request
    View

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

3 suppliers in 3 countries

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Ketene 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

Conversion of higher acids into their anhydrides.

Acetylation in manufacture of cellulose acetate & aspirin.

Principally chemical intermediate for acetic anhydride from acetic acid, for dehydroacetic acid and acetoacetic esters, for acetoacetanilide & n,n-dialkylacetoacetamides.

Acetylating agent, generally reacting with compounds having an active hydrogen atom, reacts with ammonia to give acetamide. Starting point for making various commercially important products, especially acetic anhydride and acetate esters.

How it is made

By thermal decomposition of acetone, diketene or acetic anhydride.

Pyrolysis of acetone or acetic acid by passing its vapor through a tube at 500-600 °c.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

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 Ketene is traded under.

HS 2942.00Indicative HS code

Organic compounds not elsewhere classified in chapter 29

World exports in 2024
$589M
−43.5% vs 2023, imports $614M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. India * partner reported20.7%
  2. United States18.6%
  3. Italy10.4%
Top importers
  1. United States15.1%
  2. Italy6.7%
  3. Japan5.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

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

The HS code shown for Ketene is indicative (it is known at chapter level only). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

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

What is Ketene?

Ketene appears as a colorless highly reactive gas with a penetrating odor. mp: -150 °C, bp: -56 °C. Reacts violently with water. Soluble in diethyl ether and acetone. Severely irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

What is the CAS number of Ketene?

The CAS registry number of Ketene is 463-51-4. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 12071-23-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Ketene?

The molecular formula of Ketene is C2H2O and its molar mass is 42.04 g/mol.

What is Ketene used for?

Conversion of higher acids into their anhydrides. Acetylation in manufacture of cellulose acetate & aspirin. Principally chemical intermediate for acetic anhydride from acetic acid, for dehydroacetic acid and acetoacetic esters, for acetoacetanilide & n,n-dialkylacetoacetamides.

Is Ketene hazardous?

Ketene carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: extremely flammable gas, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Ketene?

Ketene is usually classified under HS code 294200 (XIII. OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS, other organic compounds). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Ketene?

CompoundList lists 3 suppliers of Ketene in China, France and Hong Kong. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Ketene?

Suppliers quote Ketene 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 Ketene

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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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