Benzylacetone

Chemical properties

Clear colorless to pale yellowish liquid

Chemical properties

has been identified as a volatile component of cocoa. Benzylacetone is a sweet-floral-smelling liquid, which can be prepared by selective hydrogenation of benzylidene acetone (from benzaldehyde and acetone). It is used in soap perfumes.

The Uses of Benzylacetone

4-Phenyl-2-butanone is an attractant compound found in the flower Nicotiana attenuata. It is also used in the preparation of 4-oxocyclohexanecarbaldehyde derivatives.

The Uses of Benzylacetone

4-Phenyl-2-butanone be used as an attractant for melon flies and as an odorant for soap. It is also used in the preparation of 4-oxocyclohexanecarbaldehyde derivatives.

The Uses of Benzylacetone

4-Phenyl-2-butanone may be used as an analytical standard for the determination of the analyte in volatile oils, as well as agarwood extracts of Aquilaria malaccensis, yeast cell culture, and biological samples by various chromatography based techniques.

Preparation

Benzyl acetone is prepared by Claisen condensation of Benzaldehyde and Acetone, followed by hydrogenation of the formed Benzylidene acetone.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 38, p. 2097, 1990 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.38.2097
Tetrahedron Letters, 25, p. 5467, 1984 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)81600-2

General Description

4-Phenyl-2-butanone, a volatile aromatic ketone, is a fragrance compound present as a ubiquitous attractant in flowers.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. An eye and severe skin irritant. Flammable liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Solubility in organics

soluble in alcohol and oils.