Chemistry rarely stands still, and 2-Octanone holds a place in the story of organic synthesis and fragrance chemistry stretching back over a hundred years. Early chemists discovered 2-Octanone while exploring ketone isomers in the late 1800s, and by the mid-1900s, industrial processes started pulling it from both synthetic means and the essential oils of certain plants. Laboratories across Europe and North America began cataloguing physical data, testing olfactory properties, and sketching out potential uses. Over generations, this ketone’s mild, pleasant scent caught the attention of flavorists, and its medium-chain structure put it on the list for solvent manufacturers, setting the stage for wider adoption.
At a glance, 2-Octanone (sometimes called methyl heptyl ketone) grabs attention due to its role as both a synthetic intermediate and a valued aroma chemical. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid and often stands among other simple alkyl ketones when picking out base chemicals for research, perfumery, or industrial production. Urban labs, rural food processing plants, and chemical factories keep bottles of 2-Octanone for trials, pilot batches, and scale-up projects with ease of handling driving much of its appeal.
Handling 2-Octanone starts with knowing its robust characteristic set. Its molecular formula, C8H16O, delivers a molecular weight around 128.2 g/mol. Boiling point clocks in at about 172°C, holding steady under a wide range of pressure and atmospheric conditions, which gives it stability for both bench chemists and plant engineers. It has limited solubility in water but mixes readily with common organic solvents like ethanol and diethyl ether, opening the door to both homogenous reactions and more complex extractions. Its mild, fruity scent comes forward even at low concentrations, which helps in flavor and fragrance settings.
Product documentation goes further than just a chemical name and formula. Quality comes with a purity level north of 98% for most technical uses, with trace analysis showing less than 1% water and almost unmeasurable levels of common contaminants like higher ketones or aldehydes. Typical labeling includes recognized identifiers such as CAS number 111-13-7, EC Number 203-834-7, and UN transport classification where relevant. For regulated industries, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must spell out hazard pictograms, recommended storage temperature ranges, and shelf-life expectations, following strict standards drawn from REACH, OSHA, and other international guidelines.
Building a batch of 2-Octanone hinges on a few classic reactions, with each method balancing raw materials, yield, and downstream purification. At small scale, practitioners often use oxidation of 2-octanol with mild oxidizers, keeping reaction temperatures and agitation steady to avoid byproduct formation. Larger industrial syntheses favor Claisen condensation strategies, joining ethyl butyrate and acetone under basic conditions, which after hydrolysis and distillation, provides 2-Octanone in strong yields. Laboratory staff watch distillation profiles sharply; a small slip in temperature can send volatiles off course or leave residues behind.
Reactivity defines applications for this ketone. Chemists frequently turn to 2-Octanone as a substrate in nucleophilic addition, enolate chemistry, and reductive amination, where it serves as a crucial starting block for more complex molecules, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its carbonyl group, neither too accessible nor too hindered, supports modifications such as Grignard additions or aldol condensations. Synthetic organic research often leans on this reactivity; new transformation methodologies get tested with 2-Octanone at the bench, given its balance of reactivity and stability.
Clear communication matters for chemists and buyers alike, so 2-Octanone carries several recognized names across regions and catalogues. Common synonyms include methyl heptyl ketone, 2-OK, and capryl methyl ketone. In flavor and fragrance circles, certain suppliers sell it under trade names that nod to its mild odor and clean profile, marking the chemical as both a substance of commerce and a building block for designer aroma blends.
Safe handling of 2-Octanone starts with good ventilation, protective gloves, and goggles due to low but real skin and eye irritancy. Inhalation of vapors can trigger mild headaches or dizziness, so responsible warehouses and production lines rely on standard fume extraction. Storage requires tightly sealed containers kept away from strong acids, oxidizers, or ignition sources; while 2-Octanone isn’t highly flammable, it can catch fire at elevated temperatures. Emergency plans and fire extinguishers sit close to storage sites, and transport teams observe UN regulations for shipping minor hazardous liquids.
Few ketones cover as much ground as 2-Octanone in practical life. In flavor and fragrance, its subtle note forms part of “green” or “fresh” accords, blending with esters and aldehydes for both natural and synthetic replicas of fruit, cheese, or herbal aromas. Food science teams value it for heat-stable flavor enhancement, while polymer manufacturers look to its solvent properties to tweak surface finishes and adhesion traits. Research details its increasingly common role in advanced material synthesis, especially for specialty coatings and functionalized oligomers in electronics and precision textiles.
Workshops, pilot plants, and university labs turn out new research on 2-Octanone year after year. Green chemistry circles look for ways to generate it from renewable feedstocks, cutting the reliance on petroleum fractions with catalytic or biotechnological pathways now under discussion. Other teams design sensors and analytical techniques—like advanced gas chromatography and mass spec protocols—to spot minute traces in complex mixtures, useful for both environmental monitoring and quality control. Specialized research on ketone reactivity often features this compound as a model, helping unlock new asymmetric syntheses or biomimetic routes to higher value targets.
Toxicologists tapped early into the safety profile of 2-Octanone by running classic tests in rodents, rabbits, and cell cultures. Acute oral toxicity remains relatively low, but repeated or high-level exposure does affect liver enzymes and, in rare cases, neurological function. Eyes and skin react more easily; direct splashes or vapor exposure raise risk of irritation among workers. Regulatory authorities, including the US EPA and European agencies, continue to evaluate occupational limits and update guidance, especially as application fields widen. Long-term environmental fate draws extra monitoring, since the compound lingers in soil and water more than shorter-chain ketones.
Change rarely skips over chemicals with market relevance, and 2-Octanone sits on the edge of several growth fields. Interest in biobased manufacturing could lead to new plant-based production techniques, slashing fossil input while keeping costs reasonable. Scent designers scout out clean-label ingredients, and food application scientists revisit medium-chain ketones as safe, biodegradable choices that meet consumer demand for both taste and environmental stewardship. Advanced polymer work and niche solvent use keep opening doors, while chemists push boundaries to update synthesis and reduce waste. With regulations tightening in many countries and green chemistry goals driving innovation, expect 2-Octanone’s story to keep growing as both established firms and startups find fresh purpose for this versatile ketone.
2-Octanone doesn’t sound like something you keep in your kitchen cabinet. It shows up far from the shelves at your local grocery store, yet most people would be surprised how close they come to it. This colorless liquid has a strong, sometimes fruity odor. The best way to understand its place in the world is to look at where it appears and what people want it for.
In food and drink, flavor means everything. Taste doesn’t always come from the raw ingredients; sometimes, it comes from unique chemical compounds like 2-Octanone. Food scientists use it to give blue cheese and dairy products that familiar earthy richness. The same compound helps baked goods mimic the taste and aroma of ripe fruits and buttery nuts. Without these touches, certain foods lose their signature notes and appeal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration permits it as a flavor agent for a reason—it works, and it’s safe in low amounts.
Perfumers and fragrance makers call on 2-Octanone for a reason—something in its slightly green, floral scent sets a background for other more volatile aromas to shine. A lot of times, a professional nose can pick up that note in soaps, shampoos, lotions, and even everyday cleaning sprays. It doesn’t overpower; it rounds out a product’s profile and keeps the scent pleasant to most people. Many products in a modern home contain at least a trace amount, whether for the kitchen, bath, or laundry room.
The world of chemistry depends on reliable building blocks, and 2-Octanone holds value as a starting point. Engineers and scientists rely on it to build more complex chemicals—making surfactants, lubricants, plasticizers, and coatings for machines and tools. A lot of specialty paint or finish work in factories owes a smooth feel or a certain gloss in part to the properties of this compound.
People want to know what goes into the products they use on their skin or eat by the spoonful. Companies pay close attention to safety studies, and regulatory agencies keep tabs on how much 2-Octanone enters the food chain. In my experience reading reports from the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority, the evidence says current levels in food and fragrance bring little concern. Still, transparency matters. It helps trust when businesses clearly list ingredients like 2-Octanone on packaging or websites.
Not everyone has access to plain language information about these chemicals. A public conversation about additives could help ease concerns, especially as consumers demand ingredient lists they can read. In schools and communities, encouraging curiosity about chemical safety and food science helps everyone make smart choices. Honest education and open disclosure work better than scare tactics or hiding behind fine print.
Looking forward, the push for greener chemistry might lead to alternatives for compounds like 2-Octanone. Companies continue to search for sources based on renewable materials—plant oils and fermentation byproducts—so the environmental impact stays low. Responsible sourcing can work hand-in-hand with meeting the demands of both industry and everyday life.
It’s worth remembering that even chemicals with long, clinical names find their way into simple pleasures—a familiar flavor, a clean home, or a pleasant scent on a cool morning.
2-Octanone pops up as a clear, oily liquid with a faint, fruity smell. Plenty of us have come across it in the lab or in industrial settings, maybe without realizing. Manufacturers add it to flavors and fragrances, but it also ends up on factory floors as a chemical intermediate. At first glance, it looks harmless. In practice, it pays to keep a sharper eye on things that go deeper than what’s on the surface.
Spilling a few drops of 2-octanone on your skin might only cause mild irritation, or nothing at all, especially after routine use. But repeated exposure, especially without gloves or eye protection, can creep up as a real issue. The trouble with contact is you won’t always feel a problem until redness or itching starts, sometimes hours later. Breathing in its vapor isn’t a great move, either. Fumes swirling around in a poorly-ventilated room can sting your eyes and nose and leave you woozy. Studies draw a line at high concentrations, linking repeated inhalation in animals to liver and kidney effects. No one wants to stack up a health bill for a shortcut on safety goggles or decent airflow.
Handling chemicals day after day, you get used to washing up before lunch and keeping gloves handy. The slippery feel of 2-octanone might make it almost a non-event. But one moment of distraction, and it soaks through a cut or rash. The real trap comes when workers rely on routine alone and let proper protection become optional. Many folks working with solvents remember one person who thought a quick splash would dry, only to end up seeing occupational health for a rash or sudden headache. Nobody wants to be that lesson.
2-octanone doesn’t sit for decades in the environment like heavy metals or PCBs, but pouring it down the sink or letting it run off workbenches isn’t harmless. Over time, these small leaks add up. Wastewater full of organic solvents can clog up treatment plants and slip into groundwater, which isn’t good news for folks living downstream. My time volunteering at a community garden taught me how quickly runoff can kill the flavor or yield in a plot, even from supposedly mild chemicals.
Wearing gloves, safety glasses, and working in a well-ventilated area seem like obvious moves. Strangely, these steps often feel like overkill until someone gets burned—figuratively or literally. In my experience, splash guards and regular mask use simplify things and keep unexpected messes from becoming emergencies. Washing hands and arms with soap right after chemical work keeps long-term risks in check. Decent training is crucial; bringing new staff up to speed on spill kits and emergency showers pays off, even in small operations.
Whether tackling a batch process or running a taste panel, clear labeling and storage beat any set of rules typed out in a binder. Having an MSDS on hand saves time and worry if something goes wrong. I’ve noticed teams that do a weekly check on PPE and signage have fewer accidents and less sick leave. For home or hobby use, scale down but don’t drop protection. Household gloves, a kitchen fan, and patience while disposing of waste with care go a long way.
States and countries set limits on worker exposure and environmental discharge for good reason. Enforcing these standards keeps people and water safe. Companies that run regular audits and listen to employee feedback on safety gear and air quality keep staff healthier and cut down on turnover. Learning from safety mishaps—even near-misses—helps create a culture where people look out for each other.
2-Octanone doesn’t pop up in typical dinner conversations, but it’s surprisingly common in daily life. Formulated as C8H16O, this simple ketone holds its own in several industries. Break it down: eight carbons, sixteen hydrogens, and one oxygen. Folks behind the scenes in fragrance labs and food technology rely on it for a particular reason—its subtle odor, described as fruity or even a bit herbaceous, perfect for lifting up bland flavors or rounding off sharp scents.
Working in food safety exposed me to just how much chemistry shapes what goes on your plate. 2-Octanone sits among a family of molecules that help bread develop depth or cheese offer its signature tang. You may never see it listed on an ingredient label, but its fingerprint is there, deep in the sensory experience you get from everyday products. That soft, creamy “note” in dairy? The molecule quietly plays a supporting role.
The same trait that makes it handy in food flavoring also gets used in cleaning and industrial goods. As a solvent, C8H16O helps dissolve grease or oils when milder solutions can’t finish the job. Some painters favor it in specialty coatings. Formulators searching for balance between safety, effectiveness, and regulatory comfort zones turn to old standards like this one, partly because its properties stay so consistent batch after batch.
No discussion about chemicals should skate past safety. My background in lab work always reminds me that something as simple as 2-Octanone needs thoughtful handling. It usually passes toxicity tests at the levels found in flavors or fragrances, but pure forms demand respect—gloves, goggles, and clean ventilation. The science community insists on clear documentation for use, since overexposure causes irritation and headaches. Fact-checkers and quality assurance staff run checks to keep supply chains honest and safe for everyone from plant floor workers to end customers.
Many people think of chemistry as strictly manmade. In truth, C8H16O pops up naturally in some plants and fermented foods. Bread fresh from the oven, sliced pears, and even blue cheese all carry a whisper of this molecule. It’s a gentle reminder that the line between “natural” and “artificial” isn’t always sharp. Makers can synthesize it in the lab, coax it from fermentation, or extract it from plant oils.
Recycle that experience across kitchens, perfumeries, and research labs, and you’ll find chemistry connects everyone. When policy debates about label transparency or “natural versus artificial” claims flare up, cases like 2-Octanone reveal how complex—even muddy—the distinction gets. The core formula never changes, but the debate over origins and uses continues.
People care about what’s in food and household products, and for good reason. Simple molecules like 2-Octanone prove how a clear formula—C8H16O—can have wide influence. Scientists rely on honesty and accuracy about these formulas to keep trust in food, fragrance, and safety reports. Decision-makers in business or regulation ought to reinforce clear labeling, regular safety training, and ongoing research into how these common molecules affect both people and the planet.
Storing chemicals isn’t just about following rules. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of garages and warehouses where carelessness sparked problems. 2-Octanone, a colorless liquid with a distinct smell, pops up in labs and factories. Used for flavors, scents, and chemical syntheses, it deserves serious respect. Mishandling it can send fumes where they shouldn’t go or, worse, trigger fires. You don’t want that on your hands—or in your lungs.
Chemicals don’t love heat or sunlight. High temperatures speed up reactions that you never wanted. I once visited a plant where the storage room had direct sunshine all day. The bottles got hot enough to sweat. Small leaks evaporated quicker, and you could smell trouble from the doorway. Store 2-Octanone in a cool, dry spot, well away from heat sources like radiators, boilers, or hazy old incandescent lights.
Even if you don’t see anything escaping, volatile liquids keep finding ways out of old lids and half-cracked seals. A good storage solution involves tightly closed containers—no glass jars with old plastic wrap. Go for metal cans or high-quality HDPE bottles that ship with foam gaskets. Shelves should be solid, not wobbly, and spills should never drip down on open containers.
Mixing 2-Octanone with the wrong stuff spells trouble. I once saw someone store it next to strong oxidizers. The labels said “Keep apart,” but someone figured they were all clear liquids and wouldn’t react. A minor spill led to noxious fumes that forced an entire building evacuation. Flammable solvents, acids, and oxidizers belong in separate cabinets, with clear signs.
Locked rooms with poor airflow make spills far more dangerous. 2-Octanone vapors get trapped fast in tight spaces, reaching ignition limits before anyone notices—the classic recipe for a lab fire. I recommend open shelving in ventilated rooms. A simple exhaust fan can keep air circulating, taking fumes up and out.
Mislabeled bottles and mystery liquids invite mistakes. Clear, bold labels work best—no scribbles with dried-out markers. Write the name, hazards, and date every container enters the storeroom. I can’t count the times I spotted old containers with peeling stickers. Unlabeled bottles don’t just risk the wrong mix; they make emergency response tougher. Neat shelves with proper labels give you peace of mind and help responders if things do go sideways.
The right gear saves skin and lungs. Anyone handling 2-Octanone ought to have gloves made from nitrile or neoprene, chemical goggles, and (when pouring or measuring) a tight-fitting respirator. Even the best storage systems face leaks and human error. Simple, accessible safety equipment makes the difference between a minor scare and a trip to the clinic. Health authorities remind us that inhaling those vapors can cause dizziness or headaches—and longer exposure ramps up the risks.
I always say: expect the best, prepare for the worst. Store 2-Octanone near extinguishers rated for chemical and electrical fires—not just water. Spill kits with absorbents work best within arm’s reach. Emergency showers and eye wash stations go a long way if something splashes or a vapor cloud starts to form. Industry data show that quick response drops the odds of long-term harm, and recovery costs shrink.
Safe storage means considering the larger community. Fumes escaping into common areas affect more than the folks on shift. If you see a leak or spill, report it fast. Simple housekeeping—wiping drips, closing lids, keeping aisles clear—prevents big problems later. Treating storage of 2-Octanone with the seriousness it deserves protects people, property, and the reputation of any company handling it.
2-Octanone shows up in all sorts of places. In the chemical world, it’s a colorless liquid with a distinctive, fruity smell. You’ll find it in trace levels in some foods, but it gets much more industrial use. It often pops up in manufacturing, especially in making flavors and fragrances, and sometimes as a solvent. Most folks don’t bump into pure 2-Octanone every day, but the workers handling it or the teams dealing with bulk storage need to stay sharp about the risks.
I’ve spent time in labs where solvents bounce around like ping pong balls, and one thing stands out: most chemicals are more trouble than they first appear. 2-Octanone brings a vapor that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Some research shows exposure at higher airborne concentrations can lead to headaches and discomfort. Prolonged or repeated skin contact might cause dryness or cracking. It absorbs through the skin faster than some realize. Without solid gloves or proper ventilation, it’s just asking for trouble. Safety data sheets recommend care for a reason.
The flammability of 2-Octanone gives me pause. Its flash point sits in the range where regular room temperatures do not ignite, but add a heat source or a spark and things can go sideways fast. Warehouses storing this kind of material need proper management and well-marked fire exits. Sprinklers and fire-resistant clothing buy time but do not replace smart policies. Good labeling and regular training mean that panic won’t rule the day if a spill or leak occurs. The chemical’s fumes can travel along surfaces and ignite far from their source. That story never ends well.
Many folks pay attention to workplace hazards, but the story doesn’t end at the factory door. If 2-Octanone leaks into groundwater or nearby soil, cleanup gets expensive and complicated quickly. It does not stick around forever, but it can hurt aquatic life and plants for a while. Cities and small towns with older sewer systems risk real trouble if larger quantities get loose. Over the years I’ve seen even well-intentioned companies scramble when inspectors show up with lab results in hand. Strong containment, regular tank inspections, and true spill response plans keep communities safer and build public trust.
Clear steps go a long way. Training stands out as the most effective shield. I’ve never met a worker who likes safety drills, but skipping them proves pretty costly—sometimes fatally so. Proper gear—gloves, goggles, airflow systems—always cost less than ER visits. Digital monitors catch vapor buildups many noses can’t, and regular checks catch faults before an accident. Emergency plans should actually work in real life, not just on paper. Local fire departments help review these plans; their input matters. Labels on containers need to stay crisp and readable. Waste handling needs strong oversight so the risks don’t travel down the line to someone else’s backyard.
Plenty of folks try to substitute less hazardous chemicals for 2-Octanone when possible. It’s never wise to chase something cheaper if it brings more risks in through the back door. Regulators in Europe and North America lay down clear guidelines for use; following them builds a better safety culture. In the end, choosing the right precautions comes down to respect for both people and the places they live.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Octan-2-one |
| Other names |
Methyl heptyl ketone
Heptanoylmethane |
| Pronunciation | /tuː ˈɒk.tə.noʊn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 111-13-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 805873 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:37850 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL142005 |
| ChemSpider | 7076 |
| DrugBank | DB04211 |
| EC Number | 207-070-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 120485 |
| KEGG | C08290 |
| MeSH | D008605 |
| PubChem CID | 8091 |
| RTECS number | RH7700000 |
| UNII | TC97KCU6JL |
| UN number | UN 1224 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H16O |
| Molar mass | 128.21 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | fruity; herbaceous; jasmine |
| Density | 0.819 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Solubility in water | 4.8 g/L (at 20 °C) |
| log P | 2.70 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.5 mmHg (at 25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa ≈ 20 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 6.29 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.83 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.421 |
| Viscosity | 2.32 mPa·s (at 20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.57 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 378.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -341.65 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -4740.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H315, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | 80°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 410 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 0.7–6.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 2050 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | NIOSH: YU3675000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL = 150 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 3 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 300 ppm |
