Acetoin

Chemical properties

clear yellow solution

Chemical properties

Acetoin is a yellowish liquid with a bland, woody, yogurt odor and a fatty creamy “tub” butter taste. It is useful as a flavor ingredient in butter, milk, yogurt or strawberry flavors.

Occurrence

Reported found in fresh apple, butter, cheddar cheese, coffee, cocoa, honey, wheat bread and wine

The Uses of Acetoin

Acetoin is a produced via fermentation of wines, dairy products and sugars by fermentive bacteria. Acetoin is used in food flavoring and fragrances and is also found in some fruits and vegetables.

The Uses of Acetoin

Used as pharmaceutical intermediates, food spices; mainly for the preparation of cream, dairy, yogurt and strawberry spices.

The Uses of Acetoin

3-Hydroxy-2-butanone is a chemical used in food flavoring and fragrances. It acts as an intermediate of butanediol cycle in microorganisms. It is used as an aroma carrier in the preparation of flavors and essences.

What are the applications of Application

Acetoin is a chemical used in food flavoring and fragrances

Definition

ChEBI: A methyl ketone that is butan-2-one substituted by a hydroxy group at position 3.

Aroma threshold values

Aroma characteristics at 1.0%: strong buttery and creamy

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: sweet, creamy, dairy, and butter-like.

General Description

A light-yellow colored liquid. Slightly denser than water. Hence sinks in water. Boiling point 280°F. Flash point between 100 and 141°F. Used to make other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

3-Hydroxy-2-butanone is a ketone and alcohol. Ketones are reactive with many acids and bases liberating heat and flammable gases (e.g., H2). The amount of heat may be sufficient to start a fire in the unreacted portion of the ketone. Ketones react with reducing agents such as hydrides, alkali metals, and nitrides to produce flammable gas (H2) and heat. Ketones are incompatible with isocyanates, aldehydes, cyanides, peroxides, and anhydrides. They react violently with aldehydes, HNO3, HNO3 + H2O2, and HClO4. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.

Health Hazard

Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Safety Profile

Experimental reproductive effects. LWdly toxic by subcutaneous route. A moderate skin irritant. Flammable liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. See also KETONES

Synthesis

From diacetyl by partial reduction with zinc and acid. It is also a product of fermentation. Acetoin is an optically active compound. The d(–)acetyl methyl carbinol is obtained from fermentation and, in mixture with other products, from the catalytic oxidation of 2,3-butanediol. The 1(+)acetyl methyl carbinol is also obtained from fermentation. The optically pure form has not been isolated; the optically inactive form is prepared synthetically

Purification Methods

Wash acetoin with EtOH until colourless, then with diethyl ether or acetone to remove biacetyl. Dry it in air by suction and dry further in a vacuum desiccator. [Beilstein 1 IV 3991.]