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Chemical Datasheet
Chemical Identifiers
CAS Number |
UN/NA Number |
DOT Hazard Label |
USCG CHRIS Code |
- 78-94-4
|
|
- Poison Inhalation Hazard
- Flammable Liquid
- Corrosive
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|
NIOSH Pocket Guide |
International Chem Safety Card |
none
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NFPA 704
General Description
A clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 20°F. May polymerize with the release of heat under exposure to heat or contamination. Less dense than water. Highly toxic by inhalation. Causes burns to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
Hazards
Reactivity Alerts
- Highly Flammable
- Polymerizable
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Miscible with water. Unstable in the presence of heat, light and air.
Fire Hazard
Vapors form flammable mixtures with air, and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Polymerization may take place in containers, possibly with violent rupture of containers. Upon exposure to heat or flame, it emits toxic and irritating fumes. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Polymerizes on standing. Hazardous polymerization may occur. Avoid heat or sunlight. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
This material is readily absorbed through the skin, causing general poisoning, similar to other ketones; inhalation has central nervous system depressant effects. It is irritating to mucous membranes and respiratory tract and to the skin; it is a lachrymator and can cause eye injury. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
METHYL VINYL KETONE is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases. It polymerizes spontaneously upon exposure to heat or sunlight. This polymerization may cause violent ruptures in containers. (NTP, 1992).
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
- Ketones
- Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Unsaturated
- Polymerizable Compounds
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been
known to react with the
absorbents
listed below.
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
Response Recommendations
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 131

[Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1251 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Use water to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; keep out of low areas. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.
Use dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Water spray may be ineffective as an extinguishing agent. Small fires: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, and foam. Large fires: fog or foam. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tank due to fire. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 131

[Flammable Liquids - Toxic; polymerization hazard]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
SMALL SPILL: Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers for later disposal. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical |
CAS Number |
State |
QS |
QC |
SL |
C3 |
TF |
TP |
RC |
TK |
RF |
But-3-en-2-one |
78-94-4 |
Liquid |
|
|
|
|
>480 |
>480 |
|
|
|
Methyl vinyl ketone |
78-94-4 |
Liquid |
|
|
|
|
>480 |
>480 |
|
|
|
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be
used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or
explosive environments. Only...
(DuPont, 2024)
First Aid
Warning: This material is readily absorbed through the skin, causing general poisoning similar to other ketones.
Signs and Symptoms of Methyl Vinyl Ketone Exposure: Acute exposure of methyl vinyl ketone to the eyes may result in lacrimation, ocular pain and irritation, and corneal damage. Tachycardia (rapid heart beat), hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, nausea, and vomiting may be noted. Skin exposure to the liquid or vapor may result in dermatitis and paresthesia (burning or tickling sensation) of affected areas. Following inhalation, neurological effects include CNS depression, headache, dizziness, fainting, tremors, and coma.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to methyl vinyl ketone may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl vinyl ketone.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to methyl vinyl ketone.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
5. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Physical Properties
Flash Point:
20°F
(EPA, 1998)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
2.1 %
(EPA, 1998)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
15.6 %
(EPA, 1998)
Autoignition Temperature:
915°F
(USCG, 1999)
Melting Point:
20°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure:
86 mmHg
at 72°F
; 276 mmHg at 124°F; 661 mmHg at 167°F
(NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
2.41
(EPA, 1998)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity:
0.8407 to 0.8636
at 68 to 77 °F
(EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point:
179°F
at 760 mmHg
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
70.09
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility:
greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL
at 72°F
(NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
Interim AEGLs for Methyl vinyl ketone (78-94-4)
Exposure Period |
AEGL-1 |
AEGL-2 |
AEGL-3 |
10 minutes |
0.17 ppm |
1.5 ppm |
3.1 ppm |
30 minutes |
0.17 ppm |
1.5 ppm |
3.1 ppm |
60 minutes |
0.17 ppm |
1.2 ppm |
2.4 ppm |
4 hours |
0.17 ppm |
0.76 ppm |
1.5 ppm |
8 hours |
0.17 ppm |
0.5 ppm |
1 ppm |
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical |
PAC-1 |
PAC-2 |
PAC-3 |
|
Methyl vinyl ketone; (3-Buten-2-one) (78-94-4)
|
0.17 ppm |
1.2 ppm |
2.4 ppm |
LEL = 21000 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
Regulatory Name |
CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ |
EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
Methyl vinyl ketone |
78-94-4 |
10 pounds |
10 pounds |
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(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
Chemical Name |
CAS Number |
Threshold Quantity (TQ) |
Methyl Vinyl Ketone |
78-94-4 |
100 pounds |
(OSHA, 2019)
Alternate Chemical Names
- ACETONE, METHYLENE-
- ACETYL ETHYLENE
- 3-BUTEN-2-ONE
- 1-BUTEN-3-ONE
- 3-BUTENE-2-ONE
- BUTENONE
- 2-BUTENONE
- DELTA (SUP 3)-2-BUTENONE
- DELTA(3)-2-BUTENONE
- GAMMA-OXO- ALPHA-BUTYLENE
- GAMMA-OXO-ALPHA-BUTYLENE
- KETONE, METHYL VINYL
- METHYL VINYL KETONE
- METHYL VINYL KETONE, STABILIZED
- METHYL VINYL KETONE, [STABILIZED]
- METHYLENE ACETONE
- METHYLVINYL KETONE
- 3-OXO-1-BUTENE
- 3-OXOBUTENE
- VINYL METHYL KETONE