Methyl isobutyl ketone utility

Dehydrogenation processes for acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone [108-10-1], and higher ketones (qv) utilizing, in one process, a copper-based catalyst have been disclosed (18,19). Dehydrogenation reaction is used to study the acid—base character of catalytic sites on a series of oxides (20,21). 

It is clear that kinetic effects must be utilized in the design of a process to make the commercially available Form A, because it is never the most thermodynamically stable form. Information from the literature and patents in reference [14] indicates that Form A can be successfully isolated from Acetonitrile, Acetone, Methyl isobutyl ketone, Toluene, the C2 to C4 alkenols, Ethanol, Methanol and Propan-2-ol. In these solvents it is likely that solvation is favourable to the nucleation rate of Form A or detrimental to crystal growth of the other forms, or both. For a new development compound there should be similar solvent interaction data available from polymorph screening experiments. 

The synthesis of enamines by the modified titanium tetrachloride method was discussed in Chapter 12. The final yield and the rate of enamine formation depend on the molar ratios of TiCl4/substrate and amine/substrate. The optimum conditions with regard to these variables were determined by response surface technique and/or simplex technique for a series of carbonyl compounds. The results obtained for the morpholine enamines are summarized in Fig. 14.2. It is seen that the more crowded substrates require an excess of the reagents. The use of standardized conditions would have led to the wrong conclusions as to the utility of the method. For instance, when the optimum conditions for synthesis of the morpholine enamine from methyl isobutyl ketone were applied to diisopropyl ketone a yield of 12 % was obtained after 4 h. Under optimized conditions yields > 70 % could be obtained. 

OTHER COMMENTS used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, vinyl resins, many gums, lacquers, stains, roll-coating inks, paint and varnish removers, and insect repellent utilized in the manufacture of methyl isobutyl ketone. 

Acetone is used to extract fats, oils, waxes, and resins from natural products, to dewax lubricating oils, and to extract certain essential oils. The pharmaceutical industry uses acetone to extract B-vitamin complexes, alkaloids, antibiotics and enzymes. Methyl ethyl ketone is used to dewax lube oil. Methyl isobutyl ketone is used to dewax mineral oil, refine tall oil, and in extractive distillation and separation of isopropyl alcohol from ethyl and butyl alcohols. The extraction and purification of antibiotics and other pharmaceutical products utilize MIBK. Methyl isobutyl ketone is used in the extraction of rosin from pine wood and the extraction of heavy metal ion complexes from water solutions. 

In order to reduce the need for strict control and heavy taxation on industrially produced ethanol, the alcohol is denatured. Denaturing is a process of adding other compounds to the ethanol to render it unfit for consumption. Denaturants are selected to give the ethanol a disagreeable taste or odor and in some cases a distinctive color. In some cases the substances added are toxic and produce gastric disturbances upon ingestion and/or other unpleasant symptoms. A large number of different "denaturants" are utilized dependent upon the use for which the ethanol is intended. These denaturants include methyl isobutyl ketone, pyronate, kerosene, acetone, turpentine, amyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and various butyl alcohols. In some cases more than one denaturant is utilized. 

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