Agent Name |
Mesityl oxide |
CAS Number |
141-79-7 |
Formula |
C6-H10-O |
Major Category |
Solvents |
Synonyms |
2,2-Dimethylvinyl methyl ketone; 2-Methyl-2-pentenone-4; 2-Methyl-4-oxo-2-pentene; 3-Isohexen-2-one; 3-Penten-2-one, 4-methyl-; 4-Methyl-3-penten-2-on [Dutch, German]; 4-Methyl-3-penten-2-one; 4-Metil-3-penten-2-one [Italian]; Acetone, isopropylidene-; Isobutenyl methyl ketone; Isopropylidene acetone; Isopropylideneacetone; Mesityl oxide; Mesityloxid [German]; Mesityloxyde [Dutch]; Methyl 2,2-dimethylvinyl ketone; Methyl 2-methyl-1-propenyl ketone; Methyl isobutenyl ketone; Mibk; Ossido di mesitile [Italian]; Oxyde de mesityle [French]; [ChemIDplus] UN1229 |
Category |
Ketones |
Description |
Oily, colorless to light-yellow liquid with a peppermint- or honey-like odor; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Mesityl oxide has many uses as an industrial solvent. It is used as a paint remover and insect repellent. [ACGIH] Used as a solvent for resins, lacquers, enamels, rubber, inks, and oils; [HSDB] |
Comments |
Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure. [CHRIS] Narcosis is induced in acute inhalation studies, and animals develop renal tubular degeneration and hepatic necrosis in subchronic studies. [ACGIH] A lachrymator; [CHEMINFO] A skin irritant and severe eye irritant; [CAMEO] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
15 ppm |
STEL (ACGIH) |
25 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
25 ppm |
MAK |
25 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
1400 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: The probable response to 100 ppm was predicted to be eye and mucous membrane irritation, difficulty breathing, headache, and vertigo [Shell 1957]. It has been stated that 5,000 ppm might be dangerous to life in 30 to 60 minutes [Smyth et al. 1942]. |
Vapor Pressure |
8.21 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
0.01 ppm |
Odor Threshold High |
12 ppm |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 9,000 mg/m3/4H |
Explanatory Notes |
IDLH = 10% LEL (lower explosive limit); Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.017 ppm); Flash point = 31 deg C; |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
Adverse Effects |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Lacrimator |
Yes |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Nephrotoxin |
Yes |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: MESITYL OXIDE
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