Isophorone

 Isophorone is an organic compound, a colorless to yellowish liquid with characteristic smell, that is used as a solvent and as an intermediate in organic synthesis. Isophorone also occurs naturally in cranberries.

Production
Isophorone can be manufactured by catalyzed self-condensation of acetone. Mesityl oxide is the initial product of the self-aldol condensation of acetone. The acetone formed can react further with mesityl oxide in a Michael reaction to eventually obtain the six-membered ring of isophorone. The yield of the two compounds depends on the reaction conditions.



History
The use of isophorone as a solvent resulted from the search for ways to dispose of or recycle acetone, which was a waste product of phenol synthesis by the Hock method.

Uses
Isophorone is used as a solvent in some printing inks, paints, lacquers, adhesives, copolymers, coatings, finishings and pesticides. It is also used as a chemical intermediate and as an ingredient in wood preservatives and floor sealants.