Mesityl oxide

Mesityl oxide is a α,β-unsaturated ketone with the formula CH3C(O)CH=C(CH3)2. This compound is a colorless, volatile liquid with a honey-like odor. Mesityl oxide is a α,β-unsaturated ketone with the formula CH3C(O)CH=C(CH3)2. This compound is a colorless, volatile liquid with a honey-like odor. It is prepared by the aldol condensation of acetone to give diacetone alcohol, which readily dehydrates to give this compound. Phorone and isophorone may be formed under the same conditions. Isophorone originates via a Michael addition: Phorone is formed by continued aldol condensation: Mesityl oxide is used as a solvent and in the production of methyl isobutyl ketone by hydrogenation: Complete hydrogenation gives 4-methyl-2-pentanol (methyl isobutyl carbinol).