​Acetylacetone is a very clear, colorless to light yellow liquid ketone with a pleasant odor. The product includes 2,4-Pentanedione, Pentan-2,4-dione, Diacetylmethane, and Acetyl 2-propanone. For short, Acetylacetone is often referred to as AcAc.

Acetylacetone is one of the simplest liquid beta-diketones with the empirical formula of C5H8O.

Production of Acetylacetone is most often accomplished by the rearrangement of Isopropenyl Acetate, however other ways exist such as the addition & decarboxylation of Ethyl Acetoacetate & Ketene.

One of the most common applications of Acetylacetone is its usage in the production of coatings and anti-corrosion agents. Acetylacetone acts as a pot-life extender in coating applications which extends the curing time of the dry. Another common usage of Acetylacetone (2,4-Pentanedione) is as a radical initiator in peroxide compounds to induce polymerization.

Acetylacetone is also an important intermediate used in organic synthesis as a building block for heterocyclic compounds. and forms many complexes with transition metal ions where it acts as a metal chelating agent.

These metal acetylacetonates are used as catalysts and reagents for many different types of applications.

The main pharmaceutical materials that Acetyl acetone is used as a building block for are sulphonamide based chemicals, bactericides, and pesticides.

Other uses of Acetylacetone are as a metal deactivator for gasoline and lubricants, solvent for Cellulose Acetate, extraction solvent for mineral processing, a stabilizer for PVC & Polyesters, Fragrances, Biomolecules, Agriculture, and Dyes & Pigments.

Shelf Life

Under proper storage conditions, the shelf life is 12 months.

Health & Safety

Detailed information on the product described can be found in our relevant Health and Safety Information (Material Safety Data Sheet).