# NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
2-Hexanone | CAS 591-78-6
CH3CO[CH2]3CH3 | RTECS MP1400000
Synonyms & Trade Names Butyl methyl ketone, MBK, Methyl butyl ketone, Methyl n-butyl ketone | DOT ID & Guide
Exposure Limits | NIOSH REL: TWA 1 ppm (4 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL†: TWA 100 ppm (410 mg/m3)
IDLH 1600 ppm | Conversion 1 ppm = 4.10 mg/m3
Physical Description Colorless liquid with an acetone-like odor.
MW: 100.2 | BP: 262°F | FRZ: -71°F | Sol: 2%
VP: 11 mmHg | IP: 9.34 eV |  | Sp.Gr: 0.81
Fl.P: 77°F | UEL: 8% | LEL: ? |
Class IC Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 73°F and below 100°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods NIOSH 1300; OSHA PV2031
Personal Protection & Sanitation Skin: Prevent skin contact Eyes: Prevent eye contact Wash skin: When contaminated Remove: When wet (flammable) Change: No recommendation | First Aid (See procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately Skin: Soap wash immediately Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH Up to 10 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 25 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode Up to 50 ppm: (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Up to 1600 ppm: (APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, nose; peripheral neuropathy: lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), paresthesia; dermatitis; headache, drowsiness
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION