Diacetone alcohol

Diacetone alcohol is a chemical compound with the formula CH3C(O)CH2C(OH)(CH3)2. This liquid is common synthetic intermediate used for the preparation of other compounds.

It is a natural ingredient of Sleepy grass (Achnatherum robustum).

Synthesis
First identified by Heintz, its preparation entails the Ba(OH)2-catalyzed condensation of two molecules of acetone It undergoes dehydration to give the &alpha;,&beta;-unsaturated ketone, mesityl oxide: Hydrogenation of mesityl oxide gives the industrial solvent, methyl isobutyl ketone ("MIBK").