DIACETONE ALCOHOL                                                

Synthesis

First identified by Heintz, its preparation entails the Ba(OH)2-catalyzed condensation of two molecules of acetone  It undergoes dehydration to give the α,β-unsaturated ketone, mesityl oxide. Hydrogenation of mesityl oxide gives the industrial solvent, methyl isobutyl ketone ("MIBK").

Applications

Diacetone alcohol has slow evaporation rates. It is used as a solvent for both hydrogen bonding and polar substances. It is miscible in water and used as a solvent for water-based coatings. It is used as solvent extractant in purification processes for resins and waxes. Diacetone alcohol is more suitable for use in applications as a component of gravure printing inks, with proving favorable flow and leveling characteristics. Diacetone alcohol, having hydroxyl and carbonyl group in the same molecule  in used as chemical intermediate.

Hazards

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