murphyMIBK
AKA: 4-Methyl-2-pentanone, METHYL ISOBUTYL KETONE, 4-Methylpentan-2-one, 108-10-1, Isopropylacetone, Isobutyl methyl ketone, Hexone, 2-Pentanone, 2-Methyl-4-pentanone
Synthetic
Fragrance
Solvent
Not Clean
OriginDerived from acetone and propylene through organic synthesis in petrochemical manufacturing. Produced via catalytic condensation and hydrogenation of acetone-derived intermediates.
Methyl isobutyl ketone is used as a solvent for gums, resins, paints, varnishes, lacquers, and nitrocellulose. Acute (short-term) exposure to methyl isobutyl ketone may irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, and cause weakness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting, dizziness, incoordination, narcosis in humans. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to methyl isobutyl ketone has been observed to cause nausea, headache, burning in the eyes, weakness, insomnia, intestinal pain, and slight enlargement of the liver in humans. Lethargy and kidney and liver effects have been observed in rats and mice chronically exposed by gavage (experimentally placing the chemical in the stomach), ingestion, and inhalation. EPA has classified methyl isobutyl ketone as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.
Solubility 1 to 5 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H12O
Mol. Weight
100.16
CAS #
108-10-1
Form
Liquid
State
Methyl isobutyl ketone appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 73 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
No
Functions
Denaturant
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Makes Alcohol Undrinkable
Adds Fragrance
Dissolves Ingredients
Locks In Moisture
Adds pleasant scent
Dissolves other ingredients
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
No
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 289 and 878)
Eye Irritant in Testing
11 studies / 11 irritating / reactions minimal to mild / plus 2 case reports (CIR 289 and 878)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 7 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 289 and 878)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR