Aldol chemicals

World consumption data by end use in 1987 are shown in Table 8 (39). Solvent appHcations account for the largest use of acetone worldwide, followed by production of acetone cyanohydrin for conversion to methacrylates. Aldol chemicals are derivatives of acetone used mainly as solvents (40). 

Use both as a solvent and in production of aldol chemicals used as solvents. 

Aldol chemicals refer to a variety of substances desired from acetone involving an aldol condensation in a portion of their synthesis. The most important of these chemicals is methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), a common solvent for many coatings, pesticides, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Approximately 0.17 billion lb of MIBK were made in recent years. The synthesis is outlined on the next page. 

Acetone is used for the production of methyl methacrylate, solvents, bisphenol A, aldol chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. 

The 1998 U.S. use of acetone was about 2.6 billion lb. Its major uses are methacrylic acid and esters (44%) solvent (17%) bisphenol-A (20%) and aldol chemicals (such as methyl isobutyl ketone) (13%). 

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