Mesityl oxide
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Mesityl oxide is a α,β-unsaturated ketone with the formula CH3C(O)CH=C(CH3)2. This compound is a colorless, volatile liquid with a honey-like odor.[1]
Synthesis
It is prepared by the aldol condensation of acetone to give diacetone alcohol, which readily dehydrates to give this compound.[2][3]
Phorone and isophorone may be formed under the same conditions. Isophorone originates via a Michael addition:
Phorone is formed by continued aldol condensation:
Uses
Mesityl oxide is used as a solvent and in the production of methyl isobutyl ketone by hydrogenation:[3]
Further hydrogenation gives 4-methyl-2-pentanol (methyl isobutyl carbinol).
Dimedone is another established use of mesityl oxide.
References
External links
- ↑ Merck Index, 14th Edition
- ↑ Template:OrgSynth
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".