2-Butanone oxime (CAS 96-29-7)

2-Butanone oxime, also known as methyl ethyl ketoxime or MEKO, is an organic compound featuring a ketoxime functional group, with the chemical formula C4H9NO. This substance is primarily used in the chemical industry as an anti-skinning agent in alkyd paint formulations, where it prevents the formation of a skin on the surface of paint by inhibiting the oxidative polymerization of drying oils. The mechanism of action of 2-butanone oxime in this context involves its ability to chelate metal ions that serve as catalysts in the oxidative drying process, thereby reducing the rate of cross-linking or hardening of the surface layer of the paint. Beyond its industrial applications, 2-butanone oxime has been a subject of research in organic synthesis and materials science. In organic chemistry, it is used as a synthon for the preparation of other chemical compounds, particularly those involving the transformation of the oxime group into other functionalities through various chemical reactions such as Beckmann rearrangement, reduction, and S_N2 type reactions. This versatility makes it a valuable reagent in the synthesis of amines, amides, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. Additionally, 2-butanone oxime is studied for its role in corrosion inhibition, particularly in metal treatment and protection processes, where its oxime group can adsorb onto metal surfaces, forming a protective layer that impedes oxidation and corrosion.