ABSTRACT
Methyl isobutyl ketone’s use as a solvent has resulted in this product’s commercial significance. Consumption of methyl isobutyl ketone has been limited by restrictions on its use due to air pollution control standards. Acetone containing less than 0.5wt% of water is fed into a column containing a fixed-bed alkali catalyst at a temperature between 10–20°C. Mesityl oxide and hydrogen vapours are passed over a catalyst consisting of a fixed bed of copper-chromium, nickel or palladium on alumina. Methyl isobutyl ketone can be produced by the one-step hydrogenation of acetone. Methyl isobutyl ketone can be used in the solvent extraction of rare metals, usually as their complexes, and the separation of mineral oils, pharmaceuticals and butyl alcohol. Methyl isobutyl ketone vapour is irritating to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and in high concentrations leads to nausea, headaches, dizziness and unconsciousness. Methyl isobutyl ketone forms explosive mixtures with air; fires should be extinguished with carbon dioxide, dry chemical or foam.
