Isophorone

CAS number:78-59-1

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• Molecular Formula:

  C9H14O

• Molecular Weight:

  138.21 g/mol

• Brief Introduction:

  Isophorone is an industrial chemical that appears as a colorless, transparent liquid with an odor similar to that of mint or camphene. It is slightly soluble in water and evaporates faster than water. It is mainly used as a solvent in certain printing inks, coatings, varnishes, and adhesives, and as an intermediate in the production of other specific chemicals. Although isophorone is an industrial chemical, it also occurs naturally in cranberries. Its boiling point is about 420°F, its flash point is close to 200°F, it irritates the skin and eyes upon contact, and is toxic if ingested. Long-term exposure may cause central nervous system effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and depression, and there are signs of fetal malformation and growth retardation in animal experiments. Isophorone has also been used to develop fluorescent probes, such as the ARP probe for in vivo hypoxia imaging, and the dual-response near-infrared fluorescent probe DHMH for detecting aluminum ions and pH changes. In addition, isophorone and its derivatives are also used in fragrances, polymer synthesis, environmental protection, and medical research. Its production is mainly carried out through the self-condensation reaction of acetone under base catalysis. The global annual output exceeds 100,000 tons, and the market is expected to grow further in the future.

• Properities:

  Molar Mass	138.21 g/mol [1,2]
  Density (20°C)	0.92 g/cm³ [2]
  Melting Point	-8.1°C [2]
  Boiling Point	215°C [2]
  Physical State at Room Temperature	Colorless to yellowish liquid [2]
  Odor	Mint-like or camphor-like [2]
  Natural Occurrence	Found in saffron crocus, Mary's grass, cranberry, papaya, and as a pheromone in certain beetles [2]
  Solubility	Soluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents [2,3]
  Evaporation Rate	Higher than water [3]
  Applications	High-boiling-point solvent, starting material for various chemical processes (e.g., synthesis of isophorone diisocyanate, isophorone diamine) [1,2]
  Synthesis	Produced via base-catalyzed self-condensation of acetone [2]
  Market Value	USD 600 million for isophorone diamine (IPDA) in 2017, USD 700 million for isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) in 2021 [2]

• References:

  [1] "High Molar Mass Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes by Transurethanization of Diols with Isophorone-Based Bismethylcarbamate" (2025)

  [2] "The Production of Isophorone" (Encyclopedia 2023, 3(1), 224-244)

  [3] "The Study of Exposure to Isophorone and the Risk of Getting Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol" (Asian Pacific Journal of Environment and Cancer, Vol 6 No 1 2023)

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78-59-1 Suppliers

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Tianjin Haoyong New Materials Co., Ltd.

An important achievement transformation project of Hebei University of Technology plans to build an isophorone and catalyst project in Nangang Industrial Zone. After the project reaches full production, it will achieve 10,000 tons/year of isophorone.

Evonik Specialty Chemicals (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Through green certificate trading and renewable electricity cooperation agreements, Evonik's isophorone plant in Shanghai has successfully achieved 100% green electricity supply. This major move not only demonstrates Evonik's firm commitment to sustainable development, but also achieves significant results in reducing carbon emissions by approximately 5,500 tons per year.

Guangdong Minghao Chemical Co., Ltd.

Relying on petrochemical main business and taking Zhanjiang as development base, the company's annual production of 10,000 tons of isophorone project has unit product energy consumption of no more than 916.59 kg of standard coal per ton.

A.P.C. Chemicals Industries, Inc

With a wide array of petrochemical products and strategic partnerships, A.P.C. is dedicated to being the leading distributor of chemical and petrochemical products in the Philippines.