2,3-Hexanedione

Synonym(s):2,3-Hexanedione;Acetyl butyryl;propyl diketone, methylpropylglyoxal

CAS NO.：3848-24-6
Empirical Formula: C6H10O2
Molecular Weight: 114.14
MDL number: MFCD00009398
EINECS: 223-350-8
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-09-12 18:50:25

What is 2,3-Hexanedione?

Description

2,3-Hexanedione has a powerful, creamy, sweet, and buttery odor (less than diacetyl) and a buttery, cheese taste. It may be synthesized from propionyl aldehyde condensed over ethyl acetylacetate;the resulting product is then oxidized (H2O2 and sodium tungstate), hydrolyzed, and finally decarboxylated to 2,3-hexanedione; from methyl butyl ketone and ethyl propyl ketone by way of the monoxime; also from acetoxy mesityl oxide.

Chemical properties

yellow liquid

Chemical properties

2,3-Hexanedione has a powerful, creamy, sweet and buttery odor (less than diacetyl) and a buttery cheese taste.

Occurrence

Reported found in fermented soybean, peach, roasted chicken, beer, coffee, shoyu and clam.

The Uses of 2,3-Hexanedione

2,3-Hexanedione is used to evaluate the influence of xanthan concentration on the release of aroma compounds in xanthan-thickened food model systems. It reacts with ethylenediamine to yield macrocyclic tetradentate 12-membered nitrogen donor (N4) ligand.

The Uses of 2,3-Hexanedione

2,3-Hexanedione was used to evaluate the influence of xanthan concentration on the release of aroma compounds in xanthan-thickened food model systems.

What are the applications of Application

2,3-Hexanedione is used to evaluate the influence of xanthan concentration on the release of aroma compounds in xanthan-thickened food model systems

Definition

ChEBI: An alpha-diketone that is hexane substituted by oxo groups at positions 2 and 3 respectively.

Preparation

From propionyl aldehyde condensed over ethyl acetylacetate; the resulting product is then oxidized (H2O2 and sodium tungstate), hydrolyzed and finally decarboxylated to 2,3-dexanedione; from methyl butyl ketone and ethyl propyl ketone by way of the monoxime; also from acetoxy mesityl oxide

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 50 ppm: creamy, fruity, toasted brown, caramellic notes.

General Description

Yellow liquid. Sharp penetrating odor in high concentrations. Sweet, aromatic odor when diluted.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

2,3-HEXANEDIONE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.

Fire Hazard

2,3-HEXANEDIONE is flammable.

Properties of 2,3-Hexanedione

Melting point:	-30 °C
Boiling point:	128 °C(lit.)
Density	0.934 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
vapor density	3.9 (vs air)
vapor pressure	10 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
FEMA	2558 \| 2,3-HEXANEDIONE
refractive index	n20/D 1.412(lit.)
Flash point:	83 °F
storage temp.	Store below +30°C.
solubility	H2O: soluble (slightly soluble)
form	neat
Odor	at 1.00 % in dipropylene glycol. dry sweet caramel butter oily fatty creamy phenolic fruity
explosive limit	1.2-5.9%(V)
Water Solubility	Partly miscible in water.
JECFA Number	412
BRN	1699896
Stability:	Stable. Flammable. Incompatible with strong bases, strong oxidizing agents.
CAS DataBase Reference	3848-24-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	2,3-Hexanedione (3848-24-6)

Safety information for 2,3-Hexanedione

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Health Hazard GHS08
GHS Hazard Statements	H226:Flammable liquids H373:Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure
Precautionary Statement Codes	P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P233:Keep container tightly closed. P240:Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. P241:Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/…/equipment. P242:Use only non-sparking tools. P314:Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.