4-Hydroxy-2-butanone

Synonym(s):2-Hydroxyethyl methyl ketone

CAS NO.：590-90-9
Empirical Formula: C4H8O2
Molecular Weight: 88.11
MDL number: MFCD00059005
EINECS: 209-693-6
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2025-09-25 17:15:13

What is 4-Hydroxy-2-butanone?

Chemical properties

Colourless to pale yellow liquid

The Uses of 4-Hydroxy-2-butanone

4-Hydroxy-2-butanone is used in the preparation of fused benzazepine molecules as selective D3 receptor antagonists with pharmaceutical activity. It is also used in the preparation of verrucarin and mevalonic acid lactone. Further, it is used to prepare 3-buten-2-one through dehydration over an anatase titanium dioxide catalyst. It is also employed in the preparation of 4-methyl-5-hydroxymethylthiazole, (±)-lineatin and beta-hydroxylactones.

Definition

ChEBI: A beta-hydroxy ketone that is butan-2-one substituted by a hydroxy group at position 4.

What are the applications of Application

4-Hydroxy-2-butanone has been used in the synthesis of:

3-buten-2-one via dehydration over anatase-TiO2 catalyst
4-methyl-5-hydroxymethylthiazole
(±)-lineatin
mevalonic acid lactone
verrucarin
β-hydroxylactones

General Description

4-Hydroxy-2-butanone is an important pharmaceutical intermediate. Gas phase reaction of the OH radicals with 4-hydroxy-2-butanone has been investigated by absolute rate method.

Properties of 4-Hydroxy-2-butanone

Melting point:	15°C (estimate)
Boiling point:	73-76 °C/12 mmHg (lit.)
Density	1.023 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
refractive index	1.430
Flash point:	91°F
storage temp.	under inert gas (nitrogen or Argon) at 2-8°C
solubility	Chloroform, Methanol (Slightly)
form	Oil
pka	14.43±0.10(Predicted)
color	Clear Colourless
Water Solubility	Miscible with water, alcohol, ethanol and ether.
BRN	1737666
CAS DataBase Reference	590-90-9(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	4-Hydroxy-2-butanone(590-90-9)
EPA Substance Registry System	2-Butanone, 4-hydroxy- (590-90-9)

Safety information for 4-Hydroxy-2-butanone

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H226:Flammable liquids H227:Flammable liquids H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P405:Store locked up.