CH3COCH2CH2COCH3

CH3COCH2CH2COCH3 is a small symmetric diketone with the formula C6H10O2. It is commonly named hexane-2,5-dione, reflecting carbonyl groups at the 2 and 5 positions of a six-carbon chain. The molecule consists of two acetyl-type units connected by a pair of methylene groups, giving a 1,3-dicarbonyl motif with a central methylene that is enolizable. This enolizable methylene makes the compound a useful building block in organic synthesis and a topic of study in enolate reactivity.

Chemical properties of this diketone include typical carbonyl reactivity for ketones and the enhanced acidity of the central CH2 group due to the adjacent carbonyls. The compound can participate in condensations and other reactions common to 1,3-dicarbonyl systems, serving as a precursor or intermediate in the preparation of more complex molecules, including heterocycles and various synthetic targets.

In terms of production and use, CH3COCH2CH2COCH3 is typically available as a chemical reagent for research and industrial laboratories. It can be prepared and handled as a standard diketone, with its applications focused on organic synthesis rather than a single commercial end product.

Safety and handling follow general guidelines for ketones and reactive organic intermediates. It should be used in a well-ventilated area with appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize exposure via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. As with related diketones, awareness of the compound’s reactivity and potential irritant properties is recommended.