4-Methyl-2-pentanone: Hazards and Storage

4-Methyl-2-pentanone is used as a solvent for vinyl, epoxy, acrylic, natural resins, nitrocellulose, paints, varnishes, lacquers, protective coatings, rare metal extraction, and dyes. In addition, it is used as a denaturant for rubbing alcohol, as a synthetic flavoring adjuvant, and as a fruit flavoring agent. Further uses include extracting uranium from fission products, dewaxing mineral oils, manufacturing antibiotics, dry-cleaning preparations, and in the synthesis of methyl isobutyl carbinol.

Hazards

Eye: It may cause eye irritation.

Skin: It may cause skin irritation. It may be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause drying and cracking of the skin.

Ingestion: It may cause irritation of the digestive tract. May cause liver damage. It may be harmful if swallowed. It may cause spleen damage. It may cause blood abnormalities.

Inhalation: It may be harmful if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause liver damage. May cause central nervous system effects.

Chronic: Adverse reproductive effects have been reported in animals. May cause kidney damage.

Storage

It should be kept away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container. Flammables-area. Containers should be dated when opened and tested periodically for the presence of peroxides. Should crystals form in a peroxidizable liquid, peroxidation may have occurred and the product should be considered very dangerous. In this instance, the container should only be opened remotely by professionals. All peroxidizable substances should be stored away from heat and light and be protected from ignition sources. May form explosive peroxides on prolonged storage.