What is Di Iso Butyl Ketone?
Di iso butyl ketone (also known as DIBK, 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone, Isovalerone, and Isobutyl ketone) is a clear, colourless, stable liquid with a mild, sweet odour reminiscent of peppermint. It is miscible with most organic compounds, is immiscible with water, and has the formula C9H18O.
It is a solvent with a high-boiling point and which is also slow-evaporating and low density. These properties make it a very useful product across a range of industries.
How is Di Iso Butyl Ketone produced?
Di iso butyl ketone is produced by first dehydrogenating alcohol to acetone. There is then a series of condensations and hydrogenations with di iso butyl ketone, acetone, and methyl isobutyl ketone co-produced in a mixed ketone process. These products are then separated and purified and are ready for use.
Storage and transportation of Di Iso Butyl Ketone
Di iso butyl ketone can be stored in bulk tanks or drums and can be transported by tank truck. It has a specific gravity of 0.807 and a flash point of 49 °C and is, therefore, highly flammable. It should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area that is free from the risk of ignition. For transportation purposes, DIBK is classified as packing group III and hazard class 3.
What is Di Iso Butyl Ketone used for?
Di iso butyl ketone is a very useful chemical in industry. It provides good solvency for many synthetic resins such as vinyl, acrylic, alkyds, polyester and epoxy. It is also a solvent for nitrocellulose lacquers, high-solids coatings and stains, and paint stripper. Equally, it is a solvent for adhesives, printing inks, and for cleaning and degreasing.
Di iso butyl ketone is also an extraction solvent for organic pollutants, and for the mining of minerals. It is also used as an extraction solvent and recrystallisation aid in the pharmaceutical industry, and has a role as a chemical intermediate in the production of di isobutyl carbinol.
