Methyl isobutyl ketone

At laboratory scale, MIBK can be produced via a three-step process using acetone as the starting material. Self-condensation, a type of aldol reaction, produces diacetone alcohol, which readily dehydrates to give 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one (commonly, mesityl oxide). Mesityl oxide is then hydrogenated to give MIBK. Several million kilograms are produced annually. == Uses ==

MIBK is used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, lacquers, and certain polymers and resins. Solvent and niche applications Unlike the other common ketone solvents, acetone and MEK, MIBK has quite low solubility in water, making it useful for liquid-liquid extraction. For example, the purification of tantalum from its ores often relies on MIBK extractions. It has a similar polarity to ethyl acetate, but greater stability towards aqueous acid and base. It can be used to extract gold, silver and other precious metals from cyanide solutions, such as those used in gold mines, to determine the levels of those dissolved metals. Methyl isobutyl ketone is also used as a denaturing agent for denatured alcohol. When mixed with water or isopropyl alcohol MIBK serves as a developer for PMMA electron beam lithography resist. MIBK is used as a solvent for CS in the preparation of the CS spray used currently by American and British police forces. == References ==