Chemical Properties
Benzoylacetone is a yellowish crystalline flakes or white crystalline solid and has balsamic odor type of medium strength. Benzoyl acetone is widely used in cosmetic industry, as a flavour and fragrance agent.
Benzoylacetone is formed together with acetophenon and benzoic acid when benzoylacetic acid is boiled with water. It is also a product of the action of sodium ethylate on a mixture of acetone and ethyl benzoate.
Uses
Benzoylacetone has been used as a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound model for studying keto-enol equilibria in aqueous acid and micellar solutions. Additionally, it has been studied using gas-phase electron diffraction and quantum chemistry. It is used as pharmaceutical intermediates.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by ingestion.When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke andirritating vapors.
Purification Methods
Crystallise benzoylacetone from Et2O or MeOH and dry it under vacuum at 40o. [Beilstein 7 IV 2151.]
