Isophorone (IPHO) CAS 78-59-1
As a reliable Isophorone supplier, we deliver premium, high-purity industrial-grade solvent solutions tailored for the global coatings, inks, and chemical synthesis markets. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing ensures precise specification compliance and steady supply availability.
Isophorone (IPHO) is an α, β-unsaturated cyclic ketone produced through the self-condensation of acetone under alkaline conditions. Recognized for its exceptionally high boiling point, low volatility, and remarkable dissolving power, it serves as an excellent high-boiling solvent and chemical intermediate.
- Superior Solvency: Easily dissolves structural resins, polymers, polyurethanes, nitrocellulose, and chlorinated resins.
- Excellent Leveling Agent: High boiling point slows evaporation rates, significantly reducing surface defects in baking enamels and industrial coatings.
- Stable Chemical Structure: Demonstrates exceptional chemical and thermal stability under typical processing and storage conditions.
Isophorone Description
Name: Isophorone (IPHO)
Synonyms: 3,5,5-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one / Isoacetophorone / Isooctopherone
Molecular Formula: C9H14O
Molecular Weight: 138.21
CAS NO.: 78-59-1
Density: 0.9±0.1 g/cm3
Boiling point: 215.2±0.0 °C at 760 mmHg
Melting point: −8 °C
Flashing point: 84.4±0.0 °C
Appearance: Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid
Odor: Characteristic camphor-like odor
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (1.2 g / 100 g water at 20°C). Completely miscible with most common organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, ketones, and hydrocarbons.
Properties: Isophorone is a stable, high-boiling liquid with a slow evaporation rate. It acts as an aggressive solvent for polymers and resins. It may gradually turn slightly yellow upon prolonged storage or exposure to light but retains its chemical reactivity.
Package: Packed in clean, heavy-duty iron drums (190 kg net weight per drum) or bulk IBC totes. Custom industrial packaging is available upon request.
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. Keep away from heat sources, open flames, strong oxidizing agents, and strong alkalis.
Safety Protection: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves, goggles and protective clothing when using. If accidentally inhaled or ingested, seek medical help immediately.
Isophorone Technical Specifications
| Item | Index |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Color, Hazen | ≤50 |
| Water Content,% | ≤0.1 |
| Acidity as acetic acid, %(ww) | ≤0.0100 |
| Total Active ingredient,% | 99 |
As a certified Isophorone factory, we strictly monitor critical quality parameters, ensuring minimal moisture content and maximum chemical assay values to ensure predictable performance in your downstream formulations.
Isophorone Applications
- Industrial Coatings & Paints: Extensively utilized as a premium high-boiling solvent in baking enamels, coil coatings, automotive topcoats, container coatings, and maintenance paints to optimize flow and leveling.
- Screen Printing Inks: Widely adopted in vinyl and acrylic-based printing inks to prevent premature drying on the screens and maintain uniform application thickness.
- Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a vital chemical building block and intermediate in synthesizing isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) for light-stable polyurethanes, as well as specialized herbicides, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
- Adhesives & Sealants: Acts as a strong solvent component in specialized wood preservatives, floor sealants, and resin-based adhesive formulations to adjust open times and structural bonds.
FAQs about Isophorone (IPHO)
Q1: Why is Isophorone valued as a high-boiling solvent in industrial coatings?
Isophorone features a high boiling point (approx. 215°C) and a slow evaporation rate. When formulated into industrial baking enamels and automotive coatings, it prevents the paint film from drying too quickly. This allows the coating to level out uniformly, preventing surface defects such as pinholes, blistering, and orange peel.
Q2: What is the main chemical application of Isophorone outside of its solvent use?
Beyond its role as a solvent, Isophorone is primarily used as a critical chemical intermediate. It is the key starting material for producing Isophorone Diamine (IPDA) and Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI). IPDI is widely used in manufacturing premium, UV-resistant polyurethane coatings, elastomers, and resin hardeners.
Q3: How should Isophorone be managed during prolonged storage?
Isophorone should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse. Because it contains an unsaturated cyclic ketone structure, prolonged exposure to air or direct sunlight can cause minor oxidation, which darkens the liquid to a deeper yellow color. While this slight coloration rarely affects its raw solvent power, keeping it sealed under a dry atmosphere preserves optimal color grades.
Q4: What are your standard shipping weights and container capacities for export?
Our standard packaging consists of 190kg steel drums. For a standard 20GP container, we load 80 drums, which yields a net weight of 15.2 Metric Tons (MT) with or without pallets, carefully lashed and secured to comply with international maritime safety codes.
