2-Hexanone (C4H9COCH3) is a colourless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp odour. Also known as methyl butyl ketone (MBK), it is a ketone that has moderate water solubility and can easily evaporate into the air as a vapour.
What is 2-Hexanone used for?
2-Hexanone was historically used in paint and paint thinner, as a solvent for oils and waxes, and in chemical manufacturing. Due to its harmful health effects, it is no longer produced or used in the United States. However, it can still be found as a waste product from industrial activities like wood pulping, coal gas production, and oil shale processing.
2-Hexanone was used in the past in paint and paint thinner, to make other chemical substances.
Sources and Routes of Exposure
Sources of Exposure
Breathing contaminated air
Drinking contaminated water
Skin contact with contaminated liquid or soil
Eating foods that naturally contain low levels of 2-hexanone
Using products made before 1982 that contain 2-hexanone (e.g., old paint thinners)
Working in industries like coal gasification, oil shale processing, or wood pulping
Living near hazardous waste sites where 2-hexanone is present
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation: The primary route of exposure, leading to respiratory issues and nervous system effects.
Dermal exposure: Can cause skin irritation and contribute to chronic exposure effects.
Ingestion: Rare but possible, mainly through contaminated food or water.
Health Effects
Acute Effects
Skin and eye irritation
Coughing and wheezing from inhalation
Headache, dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting
Chronic Effects
Nervous system damage with symptoms like weakness, numbness, and tingling in hands and feet
Skin dryness, cracking, redness, and rash with prolonged exposure
Reproductive/Developmental Effects
Animal studies indicate reproductive harm, including testicular damage in males
Pregnant rats exposed to 2-hexanone had fewer, smaller, and less active offspring
Effects on human reproduction and birth defects are unknown
Carcinogenicity
No classification from the Department of Health and Human Services, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
No available data on potential cancer risks in humans or animals
Safety Measures
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. Flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. Use an emollient if irritation develops. Seek medical attention if needed. Wash contaminated clothing before reusing.
Serious Skin Contact: Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Allow the victim to rest in a well-ventilated area. Seek immediate medical attention.
Serious Inhalation: Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt, or waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt, or waistband. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek immediate medical attention.
Serious Inhalation: Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seek immediate medical attention.
Exposure Control & Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Use exhaust ventilation to keep vapour levels below safety limits
Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are nearby
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
For handling small amounts:
Splash goggles,
lab coat,
vapour respirator,
gloves
For large spills:
Splash Googles
Full protective suit,
vapour respirator,
boots,
gloves,
self-contained breathing apparatus
Always consult a safety specialist before handling 2-hexanone
Regulation
United States
OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set the following Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for 32-hexanone:
General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 - 100 ppm, 410 mg/m3 TWA
Construction Industry: 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A - 100 ppm, 410 mg/m3 TWA
ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set the following Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for 2-hexanone: 5 ppm, 20 mg/m3 TWA; 10 ppm STEL; Skin; BEI (TLV listed under Methyl n-butyl ketone)
NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for 2-hexanone of 1 ppm, 4 mg/m3 TWA
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has established a time weighted average concentration for 2-hexanone of 5ppm for an 8-hour workday.
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