1-Phenyl-1-propanone

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 370(SRC), determined from an experimental log Kow(2) and a recommended regression-derived equation(3), indicates that phenyl ethyl ketone will have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of phenyl ethyl ketone may be important from moist soil surfaces(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from an experimental vapor pressure(5) and water solubility(5) values, and from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based on an experimental vapor pressure of 1.5 mm Hg(5). Phenyl ethyl ketone will not be susceptible to direct photolysis on soil surfaces based upon its lack of absorption of light at wavelengths >290 nm(6). Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of phenyl ethyl ketone in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a recommended classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 370(SRC), determined from an experimental log Kow(2) and a recommended regression-derived equation(3), indicates that phenyl ethyl ketone may adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC) in the water. Phenyl ethyl ketone may volatilize from water surfaces based on an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.3X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from experimental vapor pressure(4) and water solubility(4) values. Estimated half-lives for a model river and model lake are 11 hours and 7 days, respectively(3,SRC). An estimated BCF value of 27(3,SRC), from an experimental log Kow(2), suggests that phenyl ethyl ketone will not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms(SRC) according to a recommended classification scheme(5). Phenyl ethyl ketone will not be susceptible to direct photolysis on water surfaces based upon its lack of absorption of light at wavelengths >290 nm(6). Insufficient data are available to determine the rate or importance of biodegradation of phenyl ethyl ketone in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a suggested classification scheme(1), an experimental vapor pressure of 1.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2,SRC) indicates that phenyl ethyl ketone will exist in the vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase phenyl ethyl ketone is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 5 days(3,SRC). Phenyl ethyl ketone will not be susceptible to direct photolysis based upon its lack of absorption of light at wavelengths >290 nm(4).

Phenyl ethyl ketone has been detected in one sample of wastewater from the organic chemicals industry at 29 ng/ul extract(1). Phenyl ethyl ketone was also found at concentrations of 20, 200, 220, and 120 ug/mL in a test blank, and three different samples, respectively, of combustion products from different incineration test sites(2).

The Koc of phenyl ethyl ketone is estimated as approximately 370(SRC), using an experimental log Kow of 2.19(1) and a regression-derived equation(2,SRC). According to a recommended classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that phenyl ethyl ketone has medium mobility in soil(SRC).

A case study for propiophenone (CAS # 93-55-0) was reported regarding a spill that occurred at Union Carbide Corp's, South Charleston, West Virginia Plant. Two male and one female maintenance employees reported urinary dysfunction (bladder fullness, bladder pain, urgency, urinary frequency, and small volume of urine upon voiding) after cleaning up the propiophenone spill. Urinary dysfunction symptoms manifested several hours after exposure. The route of exposure was presumed to be via inhalation, because the employees were protected from ingestion and skin absorption of the chemical. The air concentration was above the threshold odor level and the levels of chemical exposure are not known.

Phenyl ethyl ketone's production and use in perfumery(1), in the synthesis of ephedrine (and related compounds)(1), pharmaceuticals(2), and organic chemicals(2), and as a laboratory agent(2), may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

An estimated BCF value of 27 was calculated for phenyl ethyl ketone(SRC), using an experimental log Kow of 2.19(1) and a recommended regression-derived equation(2). According to a recommended classification scheme(3), this BCF value suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms will be not an important fate process(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for phenyl ethyl ketone is estimated as 1.3X10-4 atm-cu m/mole at 20 °C(SRC) from its experimental values for vapor pressure, 0.15 mm Hg at 20 °C(1), and water solubility, 2000 mg/l at 20 °C(1). This value indicates that phenyl ethyl ketone will volatilize from water surfaces(3,SRC). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 11 hours(3,SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec) is estimated as approximately 7 days(2,SRC). Phenyl ethyl ketone's vapor pressure(1) and Henry's Law constant(1,2,SRC) indicate that volatilization from dry and moist soil may occur(SRC).

SCREENING IS DESCRIBED USING SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM TESTER STRAINS & ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINS, PROPIOPHENONE SHOWED NEGATIVE RESULTS IN THESE TESTER STRAINS.

The compound was tested externally on the eyes of rabbits, and, according to the degree of injury observed after 24 hours, rated on a scale of 1 to 10. The most severely injurious substances have been rated 10. Propiophenone is rated 1 on rabbit eyes.

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of phenyl ethyl ketone with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 3X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1,SRC). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 5.3 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1,SRC). Phenyl ethyl ketone will not be susceptible to direct photolysis based upon its lack of absorption of light at wavelengths >290 nm(2).