Acetyl ketene

Chemical properties

Diketene [674-82-8], C4H4O2, Mr 84.04, is a colorless liquid when pure; it possesses a pungent odor and is a strong lachrymator. The human odor perception threshold is 0.019 mg/m3. Crude diketene obtained from the dimerization of ketene is often used without further purification; it is dark brown and contains up to 10 % higher ketene polymers.

The Uses of Acetyl ketene

Diketene is used as a reactant in the manufacture of paper and control of its sizing. In addition its used in the preparation of potent and selective inhibitor of histone methyltransferase EZH2 in the treatment of B-Cell lymphomas.

General Description

A colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor. Slightly less dense than water. Flash point 90°F. Irritates skin and eyes. Used to make paints and pharmaceuticals.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

DIKETENE is a very reactive dimer, Acetyl ketene may undergo a spontaneous decomposition followed by explosion or ignition [Vervalin, 1973, p.86]. In the presence of bases, amines, mineral acids or Lewis acids a violent polymerization will occur, accompanied by gas evolution [Zdenek, F. et al., Czech Pat. 156 584, 1975].

Health Hazard

TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water 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 and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. May polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Chemical Reactivity

Diketene is a reactive, versatile compound, which cannot be stored indefinitely, even in the presence of stabilizing agents such as sulfates, borates, or sulfur. On standing for several days or weeks, it turns yellow and then brown. Glass vessels are not recommended for storage because the basicity of glass promotes decomposition: stainless steel or aluminum is preferred. Diketene reactions proceed mainly by ring opening and are highly exothermic. Traces of base or strong acid can lead to violent, almost explosive polymerization, and due care should be exercised when handling diketene.

Solubility in organics

Diketene is miscible with acetic anhydride, with many ketones and esters (e.g., acetone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate) with diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, chlorinated hydrocarbons, acetonitrile, and toluene. Furthermore, contrary to most literature reports, it is slightly soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane (ca. 12.5 wt % at 23℃), octane, cyclohexane, and methylcyclohexane. It is very slightly soluble in water, in which it decomposes slowly.