Propiophenone

Chemical properties

Propiophenone has a strong, flowery odor. 1-Phenyl-1-propanone is a colorless liquid with a flowery odor, insoluble in water, readily soluble in organic solvents. Typical reactions can be carried out at the methylene group, the carbonyl group, and at the aromatic nucleus.

Occurrence

Reported found in coffee, roasted filberts, roasted peanuts and roasted green tea. Also reported found in Camembert cheese, black tea, roasted macadamia nut, tamarind, dried bonito, cherimoya and sapodilla fruit.

The Uses of Propiophenone

Propiophenone is an aryl ketone used in the preparation of pharmaceutical and organic compounds. Propiophenone is used in perfumes as well as in the preparation of neurochemical compounds such as ephe drines.

The Uses of Propiophenone

1-Phenyl-1-propanone is used mainly as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals such as DPropoxyphen, phenylpropanolamine, and Phenmetrazine.

The Uses of Propiophenone

In perfumery; in the synthesis of ephedrine and related Compounds.

Definition

ChEBI: Propiophenone is an aromatic ketone in which the two substituents on the carbonyl C atom are phenyl and ethyl. It has a role as a fragrance.

Production Methods

Propiophenone is produced by the Friedel–Crafts acylation of benzene with propionic acid chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride. It may also be produced by the reaction of benzoic acid and propionic acid using a calcium acetate– aluminum oxide catalyst.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 60, p. 2430, 1995 DOI: 10.1021/jo00113a024
Tetrahedron Letters, 30, p. 4819, 1989 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)80517-7

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by subcutaneous route. Mildly toxic by ingestion and skin contact. A skin and eye irritant. A flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also KETONES.