Ethyl acetoacetate propylene glycol ketal comes out of a clever bit of chemistry: a reaction between ethyl acetoacetate and propylene glycol. With this process, the product inherits functional features from both parent compounds. Its structure belongs to the class of ketals, which means it falls under a family of organic molecules built to deliver stability and certain solubility characteristics. It often shows up as a clear or near-clear liquid and can be found, depending on synthesis, as colorless crystals. The molecular formula lines up as C11H20O4, and the substance shows a molecular weight of around 216.28 g/mol. Most suppliers and industry databases list this compound under HS Code 2914399090, which links it to other acetoacetic esters and their derivatives. In the trade, you’ll run into it labeled as a specialty intermediate, with handlers and producers keeping an eye on its purity, water content, and physical appearance.
Pick up a sample: it appears as either a liquid in its most common commercial form or, if cooled, as solid flakes or even pearl-like granules. The density averages about 1.05 g/cm3 at room temperature, comparable to water, though the solution sits slightly thicker on the hand. The melting point registers around -15°C, letting it stay fluid in cool storage situations. Its boiling point sits above 250°C, so the compound keeps its composure under heating, which helps when blending up complex formulations.
On a molecular level, this ketal contains an ethyl acetoacetate skeleton shielded by a cyclic propylene glycol ketal group. That modification protects the sensitive carbonyl center, giving the compound much more resilience than the parent acetoacetate. The ring structure buffers it from easy hydrolysis, which increases shelf life and reduces breakdown during processing. Even though this may seem like a small tweak on paper, it changes how the molecule interacts with both polar and non-polar solvents—showcasing versatility for product developers.
Ethyl acetoacetate propylene glycol ketal acts as a raw material for all sorts of chemical reactions. It often pops up in pharmaceutical synthesis, for example, where stable intermediates are essential for building complex drug molecules. Its protected structure means it adds flexibility to multi-step reactions, holding up in acidic or basic workflows. Painters and coatings experts look to this compound too; since it resists breakdown, it becomes a workhorse for specialty paint additives or sealants. The flavor and fragrance sector, while careful about residual solvents, occasionally harnesses its masked acetoacetate group when a tough synthetic step crops up. Across applications, handlers prefer its liquid form for dosing accuracy, but flakes take less room during shipping, cutting down on logistical hassles.
Any producer worth their salts offers specification sheets detailing purity (above 98% in leading grades), moisture content (typically below 0.5%), and absence of volatile impurities. The substance, while stable, deserves proper respect on the shop floor. Safety data labels the material with hazard phrases: irritation risk for skin and eyes, and some inhalation sensitivity with fine powders. Transporters and storage managers tend to keep it in tightly sealed drums or IBCs, cooled when possible but rarely frozen. Good ventilation, gloves, and goggles meet handling standards. Disposal follows local hazardous chemical guidelines because while not as reactive as raw ethyl acetoacetate, its breakdown products demand environmental care.
Storing and handling ketals always involves watching for accidental hydrolysis, which turns the product into less useful or potentially irritating breakdown components. Quality control teams stay on alert for signs of water ingress during shipping or warehousing. The chemical’s moderate volatility means extra vigilance during hot weather. Import and export depend on correct HS Codes to ensure smooth customs clearance; industry veterans keep up-to-date safety certificates and regulatory documentation at hand. Training workers and communicating risk helps cut down on incidents, and facility managers prepare spill containment systems for the occasional leak. Research labs exploring alternative synthetic intermediates often weigh product utility against ecological impact. As environmental awareness rises, responsible manufacturers offer clear documentation about downstream safety, biological breakdown rates, and options for end-of-life disposal that steer clear of local groundwater or soil problems.
Working with ethyl acetoacetate propylene glycol ketal shows that even a subtle change—protecting a reactive group with a glycol ketal—can open doors for safer, more reliable chemistry. Its place as a liquid or solid intermediate streamlines many production lines in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and specialty syntheses. Supply chains depend on accurate labeling, careful storage, and consistent testing to keep inventories safe and reliable. Workers and technicians benefit from ongoing safety refreshers and access to up-to-date datasheets. As rules for chemical use grow stricter, clear information and practical safeguards stand out as the smartest path forward for this compound. The small details—density, purity, physical state on receipt—add up to a big difference on the line and in the latest technical breakthroughs.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
