Diacetone alcohol

What is diacetone alcohol?

Diacetone alcohol, also known as 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, is a colourless to slightly yellowish liquid with a pleasant odour. It belongs to the group of ketones and alcohols and is mainly used as a solvent in the paint and varnish industry and in organic synthesis.

Creation

Diacetone alcohol is produced industrially by the aldol condensation of acetone. This process takes place in large-scale chemical plants. Diacetone alcohol is mainly used as a solvent in the paint and varnish industry and is also used in the plastics industry and in the production of adhesives and sealants.

Discovery

Diacetone alcohol is a clear, colourless to slightly yellowish liquid with a pleasant, slightly fruity odour. It is moderately volatile and soluble in water. Contact with diacetone alcohol may cause eye and skin irritation. Inhalation of vapours may cause headache, dizziness and nausea.

Limit values

In Germany, the limit values for diacentonal alcohol are regulated by the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The OEL for diacentonal charcoal is 50 ppm (parts per million) or 240 mg/m³. These limit values are intended to ensure that the concentrations in the workplace do not cause any damage to health.

Hazards

Health: Diacetone alcohol can cause eye and skin irritation at high exposure levels. Inhalation of the vapours leads to headaches, dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure may affect the central nervous system and cause respiratory problems. Environment: Diacetone alcohol is biodegradable, but may pollute water and soil at high concentrations. It is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms and can disturb the ecological balance. Economic damage: Due to its highly flammable properties, there is a risk of fire if handled and stored improperly, which can lead to considerable material damage and loss of production.

Der AGW für Diacentonalkohl liegt bei 50 ppm (Teile pro Million) bzw. 240 mg/m³. Diese Grenzwerte sollen sicherstellen, dass die Konzentrationen am Arbeitsplatz keine gesundheitlichen Schäden verursachen.

Gefahren

Gesundheitlich: Diacetonalkohol kann bei hoher Exposition Augen- und Hautreizungen verursachen. Das Einatmen der Dämpfe führt zu Kopfschmerzen, Schwindel und Übelkeit. Langfristige Exposition kann das zentrale Nervensystem beeinträchtigen und Atemprobleme verursachen.

Umwelt: Diacetonalkohol ist biologisch abbaubar, kann jedoch bei hohen Konzentrationen Gewässer und Böden belasten. Es ist mäßig toxisch für Wasserorganismen und kann das ökologische Gleichgewicht stören.

Wirtschaftliche Schäden: Aufgrund seiner leicht entzündlichen Eigenschaften besteht bei unsachgemäßer Handhabung und Lagerung Brandgefahr, die zu erheblichen Sachschäden und Produktionsausfällen führen kann.