3-Octanone

Description3-Octanone has a strong, penetrating, fruity odor reminiscent of lavender. It can be prepared by passing a mixture of vapors of caproic acid and acetic acid over ThO2 at 400°C, or by oxidation of d-ethyl n-amyl carbinol with chromates; another synthetic route is reported.

OccurrenceReported identified in the low-boiling fraction of the essential oil of lavender; also reported found in the essential oils of Lavandula vera (10%) and French lavender. Reported found in banana, bilberry, currants, guava, melon, blueberry, blackberry, strawberry jam, peas, fried potato, ginger, Mentha oils, thyme, cheeses, butter, fish, cooked meats, cognac, coffee, tea, roasted peanuts, pecan, soybean, olive, plum, beans, mushroom, wild marjoram, trassi, rice bran, litchi, calamus, buckwheat, rosemary, lemon balm, clary sage, rosemary, truffle, nectarine, anise hyssop and maté.

Uses3-Octanone can be produced by oxidation of 3-octanol or by heating propionic acid and caproic acid over thorium oxide. 3-Octanone is used as an ingredient in soaps, perfumes, lotions, and creams. It is also used as a flavoring agent in foods. U.S. production and importation of 3-octanone was estimated to be relatively low (,25,000 lb at a single site) in 2005 as data for 3-octanone were not included in the 2006 U.S. EPA Inventory Update Reporting database.

UsesPerfumery, solvent for nitrocellulose and vinyl resins.

Uses3-Octanone was used to study the effect of TiO2 photo catalyst on the rate and the ratio of products generated in photo catalytic oxidation of 3-octanone. It is used as a flavor and fragrance ingredient.

General DescriptionA clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Insoluble in water and partially soluble in alcohol. Flash point of 138°F. Vapors are denser than air and may have a narcotic effect in high concentrations. Used in making perfumes and as a solvent for nitrocellulose and vinyl resins.