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Pinacolone
Pinacolone
from Wikipedia
Pinacolone
Skeletal formula of pinacolone
Skeletal formula of pinacolone
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
3,3-Dimethylbutan-2-one
Other names
t-Butyl methyl ketone
1,1,1-Trimethylacetone
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
1209331
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.000.838 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 200-920-4
MeSH Pinacolone
RTECS number
  • EL7700000
UNII
UN number 1224
  • InChI=1S/C6H12O/c1-5(7)6(2,3)4/h1-4H3 checkY
    Key: PJGSXYOJTGTZAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • CC(=O)C(C)(C)C
Properties
C6H12O
Molar mass 100.161 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless liquid
Density 0.801 g cm−3
Melting point −52[1] °C (−62 °F; 221 K)
Boiling point 103 to 106 °C (217 to 223 °F; 376 to 379 K)
−69.86·10−6 cm3/mol
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS02: FlammableGHS07: Exclamation mark
Danger
H225, H302, H315, H319, H332, H335, H412
P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P312, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P330, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineFlammability 4: Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily. Flash point below 23 °C (73 °F). E.g. propaneInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
1
4
0
Flash point 5 °C (41 °F; 278 K)
Safety data sheet (SDS) External MSDS
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
checkY verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

Pinacolone (3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone) is an important ketone in organic chemistry. It is a colorless liquid with a slight peppermint or camphor odor. It is a precursor to triazolylpinacolone in the synthesis of the fungicide triadimefon and in synthesis of the herbicide metribuzin. The molecule is an unsymmetrical ketone. The α-methyl group can participate in condensation reactions. The carbonyl group can undergo the usual reactions (hydrogenation, reductive amination, etc.). It is a Schedule 3 compound under the Chemical Weapons Convention 1993, due to being related to pinacolyl alcohol, which is used in the production of soman.[2] It is also a controlled export in Australia Group member states.[3]

Preparation

[edit]

Most famously, at least in the classroom, pinacolone arises by the pinacol rearrangement, which occurs by protonation of pinacol (2,3-dimethylbutane-2,3-diol).[4]

Industrially pinacolone is made by the hydrolysis of 4,4,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane, which is the product of isoprene and formaldehyde via the Prins reaction. It also is generated by ketonization of pivalic acid and acetic acid or acetone over metal oxide catalysts. 3-Methylbutanal is a starting material for 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene, which in turn is converted to pinacolone. Pinacolone can also be produced from 2-methy-2-butanol when reacted with C5 alcohols.[5]

Uses

[edit]

Pinacolone is produced in large amounts for use in fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides. Some derivatives include:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pinacolone, systematically named 3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one, is an organic with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O and CAS number 75-97-8. It appears as a colorless with a characteristic odor reminiscent of and is notable as the prototypical product of the pinacol-pinacolone rearrangement, an acid-catalyzed reaction converting vicinal diols to carbonyl compounds first observed in 1860. This rearrangement, involving the dehydration and 1,2-migration of a from pinacol (2,3-dimethylbutane-2,3-diol), exemplifies in intermediates and remains a fundamental demonstration in and synthesis. Pinacolone functions primarily as a synthetic intermediate, employed in the production of pharmaceuticals with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antituberculous properties, as well as agrochemicals such as the triadimefon and the . Its simple structure and reactivity make it valuable for constructing more complex molecules, though industrial preparation often favors alternative routes like the reaction of acetone with acids for scalability.

Structure and Properties

Molecular Structure and Nomenclature

Pinacolone, with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O, features a functional group where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to a (CH₃) and a tert-butyl group (C(CH₃)₃), resulting in the condensed CH₃C(O)C(CH₃)₃. This unsymmetrical structure places the carbonyl between a primary carbon chain and a branched , contributing to its distinct reactivity profile as a methyl ketone. The systematic IUPAC name for pinacolone is 3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one, derived from the parent butan-2-one chain with two methyl substituents at the 3-position to accommodate the branched tert-butyl moiety. Alternative systematic nomenclature may refer to it as pinacolin in some contexts, though 3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one is the preferred IUPAC designation. The retained trivial name "pinacolone" stems from its historical preparation via the , but it lacks official IUPAC retention status for general use.

Physical Properties

Pinacolone appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid at , exhibiting a peppermint- or camphor-like . Its is reported as −52.5 °C, while the ranges from 103 to 106 °C at standard , with a literature value of 106 °C. The density measures 0.801 g/mL at 25 °C, and the is 1.396 at 20 °C. Pinacolone is sparingly soluble in , with a of approximately 2.44 g/100 mL at 15 °C, but it is miscible with common organic solvents such as alcohol, , acetone, , and . Vapor pressure is 33 hPa at 20 °C.

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

Pinacolone, systematically named 3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one, functions as a methyl ketone with the carbonyl group flanked by a methyl and a tert-butyl substituent, imparting asymmetry and steric bulk to its reactivity profile. The electrophilic carbonyl carbon readily undergoes nucleophilic addition reactions, including reduction via hydrogenation or hydride reagents to yield the secondary alcohol pinacolyl alcohol, as well as reductive amination to form amines. These additions are typical of ketones but moderated by the tert-butyl group's steric hindrance, which elevates the activation barrier for approaching nucleophiles compared to less substituted analogs like acetone. The α-methyl group's three hydrogens enable enolization exclusively toward that side, as the tert-butyl lacks α-protons, directing subsequent reactivity such as aldol condensations or α-halogenations to the methyl substituent. This arises from the absence of enolizable hydrogens on the quaternary carbon, limiting reactivity to the less hindered methyl flank. As a , pinacolone participates in the under halogenating conditions with base, cleaving to (or analogous haloform) and , exploiting the methyl group's susceptibility to trihalogenation followed by C-C bond fission. Overall, pinacolone's reactivity balances standard behavior with steric constraints that favor smaller reagents and suppress side reactions from the hindered face, rendering it useful in selective synthetic transformations.

Synthesis

Laboratory Synthesis via

The provides a straightforward route to pinacolone from pinacol (2,3-dimethylbutane-2,3-diol), involving acid-catalyzed and 1,2-methyl migration to form 3,3-dimethylbutan-2-one. First reported by Wilhelm Rudolph Fittig in 1860, this method exemplifies early observations of carbocation-mediated skeletal rearrangements in . In a standard procedure, 1 kg of pinacol hydrate is distilled with 750 g of 6 N in a 2-L equipped with a and condenser, typically in multiple batches of 250 g pinacol hydrate each treated with 60 mL concentrated . The mixture is heated until the upper pinacolone layer ceases to increase (15–20 minutes per batch), followed by separation of the organic layer, drying over , , and at 103–107°C/760 mmHg. This yields 287–318 g (65–72% theoretical) of purified pinacolone, with redistillation to remove trace yellow impurities. Alternative conditions employ 50% phosphoric acid or hydrated oxalic acid under reflux for 3–4 hours, affording 60–65% yields, while using recrystallized pinacol hydrate boosts efficiency by approximately 4%. The mechanism initiates with protonation of one tertiary hydroxyl group, expelling water to generate a resonance-stabilized tertiary carbocation at the adjacent carbon. A methyl substituent then migrates antiperiplanar to the leaving group, with the shifting electrons forming the carbonyl bond as the oxygen deprotonates, favoring the product due to the stability of the tertiary carbocation and high migratory aptitude of methyl over hydrogen. This process is reversible under acidic conditions, as pinacolone can dehydrate back to alkenes or reform diols, but equilibrium favors the ketone under distillation.

Industrial Production Methods

Pinacolone is manufactured industrially via the acid-catalyzed , in which pinacol hydrate (2,3-dimethylbutane-2,3-diol monohydrate) is distilled with dilute , typically achieving nearly quantitative yields after separation by . This method leverages the and 1,2-methyl migration inherent to the rearrangement, with reaction conditions involving heating to in 10-20% H₂SO₄, followed by and purification. To circumvent the multi-step synthesis of pinacol from acetone reduction (using aluminum or magnesium amalgam), which incurs high and costs, alternative routes have been patented for direct production from alkenes. One reacts 2-methylbut-2-ene (or 2-methylbut-1-ene) with 0.5-1.5 moles of (as aqueous solution or ) in 15-40% aqueous HCl or H₂SO₄ at 50-200°C and 1-20 bar pressure, with yields reaching 75% of theory after . This single-step approach accommodates industrial feedstocks, halves consumption relative to prior methods, and minimizes by-products for better economics and reduced waste. Refinements include adding acid-soluble salts (e.g., NaCl or CaCl₂) to enhance and reaction in similar alkene-formaldehyde-acid systems, enabling aqueous phase recycling and supporting batch or continuous operations with yields up to 75.8%. These processes, developed in the late , prioritize scalability using commodity chemicals over the traditional route.

Applications

Use as a Synthetic Intermediate in Pharmaceuticals

Pinacolone serves as a versatile synthetic intermediate in the pharmaceutical sector, primarily due to its methyl ketone functionality and sterically hindered tert-butyl group, which enable the construction of complex molecular scaffolds resistant to metabolic degradation. Its applications include the formation of precursors for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) exhibiting antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as contributions to hormone-related therapies. A specific historical example is its involvement in the synthesis of , a nonsteroidal synthetic developed in for menopausal symptoms and other endocrine treatments, achieved through a route leveraging pinacol-pinacolone rearrangement intermediates to assemble the central stilbene structure. Pinacolone has also been employed as a building block for certain steroids and hormones, providing the necessary alkyl branching in their side chains. While its pharmaceutical utility is documented, production volumes for such applications remain smaller compared to uses, reflecting targeted rather than broad-scale adoption in drug manufacturing.

Role in Pesticide Synthesis

Pinacolone functions as a versatile synthetic intermediate in the production of triazole-based , where its moiety facilitates key and cyclization reactions to form heterocyclic structures essential for . It is employed in the manufacture of fungicides such as triadimefon and triadimenol, which inhibit in fungi, and herbicides like , which disrupt in target weeds. In the synthesis of plant growth regulators with pesticidal applications, pinacolone serves as a building block for compounds including paclobutrazol and uniconazole, which modulate gibberellin levels to control excessive vegetative growth in crops while exhibiting indirect pest management benefits through enhanced plant resilience. These triazole derivatives are produced via reactions involving pinacolone's carbonyl group with hydrazines or azides, followed by chlorination and substitution steps. Recent research has explored pinacolone-containing derivatives as potent antifungal agents against , a fungal pathogen affecting grapes and other crops; structure-activity relationship studies indicate that the pinacolone scaffold enhances inhibitory efficacy comparable to commercial fungicides like boscalid, with EC50 values as low as 0.82 mg/L for select analogs. However, these remain in the developmental stage and are not yet commercialized. Overall, pinacolone's industrial-scale production supports the synthesis of over 20 variants, underscoring its economic importance in .

Other Industrial and Research Applications

Pinacolone serves as a solvent in certain processes due to its low and compatibility with various . It has been investigated as a potential "green" alternative, with studies examining its atmospheric oxidation pathways to assess environmental persistence. In the flavors and fragrances industry, pinacolone contributes to the production of specialty perfumes and food flavorings, leveraging its distinct aromatic properties, such as a peppermint-like . In research, pinacolone is frequently employed as a model compound to investigate the pinacol-pinacolone rearrangement, providing insights into migration and acid-catalyzed mechanisms. Studies have optimized reaction conditions, such as acid concentration and solvent-free methods under microwave irradiation, to enhance selectivity and yield in this transformation. Its role extends to broader applications in semipinacol rearrangements for constructing quaternary carbon centers in complex molecules.

Safety, Toxicity, and Environmental Considerations

Health and Safety Hazards


Pinacolone is classified as a under GHS criteria, with a ranging from 5 °C to 23 °C and a of 106 °C, enabling vapors to form explosive mixtures with air at concentrations between 1.3% and 8.8% by volume. Containers may rupture from pressure buildup under fire conditions, and vapors can travel to ignition sources, posing risks indoors or in sewers. The rating assigns it a flammability hazard of 3 (serious fire risk), health hazard of 1 (slight ), and reactivity of 0 (stable).
Exposure to pinacolone presents acute health risks primarily through and . Oral administration is harmful, evidenced by an LD50 of 610 mg/kg in rats, corresponding to GHS category 4 . Inhalation of vapors may irritate the , with an LC50 of 5,700 mg/m³ in mice indicating moderate hazard potential. Contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, though no severe corrosive effects are reported. No data indicate chronic effects, carcinogenicity, , or mutagenicity. Safe handling protocols mandate use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods to minimize vapor exposure, with ignition sources prohibited. Personal protective equipment includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing; in case of fire, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear are required. Storage should occur in cool, grounded containers within approved flammable-liquid cabinets, away from incompatibles like strong oxidizers.

Environmental Impact and Regulatory Status

Pinacolone demonstrates moderate aquatic toxicity, with a reported LC50 of 87 mg/L for , classifying it as harmful to aquatic life with potential for long-lasting effects. Safety data indicate it poses risks to freshwater , , water fleas, and microorganisms, though specific EC50 or NOEC values for these taxa are limited in available assessments. Atmospheric oxidation studies show pinacolone degrades via reactions, forming products like acetone and , which may contribute to secondary formation but do not indicate high persistence in air. In aqueous environments, pinacolone exhibits low and high volatility, facilitating partitioning into air rather than prolonged or accumulation. assessments under 301 guidelines suggest it is not readily biodegradable in standard ready tests, though persistence is considered unlikely overall due to of ketones into simpler carboxylic acids and CO2; degradation products such as aldehydes may transiently affect local ecosystems. No evidence supports classification as persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic (PBT) under European criteria. Under U.S. regulation, pinacolone is listed as an active substance on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory, subjecting it to general reporting and handling requirements without specific environmental restrictions beyond standard disposal to mitigate air, soil, and water migration. In the , it is registered under REACH (EC 1907/2006) with a status of active, requiring safety data for environmental releases but no or restriction under XIV or XVII; manufacturers must ensure emissions do not exceed thresholds harmful to aquatic systems. Disposal guidelines emphasize or controlled to avoid ecological release, considering its flammability and potential for vapor in confined spaces.

References

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