5-Methyl-2-hexanone (CAS 110-12-3)

5-Methyl-2-hexanone, also known as methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), is an organic compound classified as a ketone. It is characterized by a six-carbon chain with a ketone functional group located on the second carbon and a methyl group attached to the fifth carbon. This structure imparts unique physical and chemical properties, including its status as a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor, which is less dense than water but miscible with most organic solvents. MIBK is widely used in industrial applications primarily as a solvent in the formulation of paints, varnishes, and other coatings because it has a good solvency for a wide range of resins and polymers, and it evaporates at a moderate rate. In research, 5-Methyl-2-hexanone is used to study solvent effects on chemical reactions due to its ability to dissolve various organic compounds without participating in the reactions themselves. Its effectiveness in promoting polymerization reactions is particularly valuable in the development of new polymeric materials. Moreover, its role in phase transfer catalysis experiments provides insights into the mechanisms of reaction enhancements and the influences of solvent environments on reaction kinetics. The compound is also a useful medium for spectroscopic studies, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, where it helps in elucidating the structure and behavior of less soluble substances. Its moderate evaporation rate and solvent properties make it an ideal candidate for these applications, offering a balance between volatility and solvency.