Diacetone Alcohol

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Diacetone alcohol, often referred to as DAA, is represented as CH₃C(O)CH₂C(OH)(CH₃)_2.  It is a clear colorless liquid, soluble in water and oil. It is commonly used as solvent and for preparing many otehr chemical intermediates. It naturally occurs in the plant Achnatherum robustum and also prepared synthetically in production units. 

DAA is stored in mild steel or stainless steel tanks. It should be stored in a well ventilated area and should be kept out of ignition sources, sunlight and other forms of heat. 

MANUFACTURING

DAA is prepared from acetone using alkali metal hydroxides, calcium hydroxide and barium hydroxide.

APPLICATIONS

• Used as a solvent for water-based coatings.
• Mixed with cellulose ester lacquers to produce a thick film with good brilliance.
• Used in textile production, especially in producing synthetic silk and fabrics.
• DAA is also a component of gravure printing inks, wood stains, and wood preservatives, and can also be found in degreasers and metal cleaning compounds.
• DAA is an important  chemical intermediate, which is condensed to produce mesityl oxide (MO) and water.  This carbon-carbon double bond of MO is selectively hydrogenated to produce MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone) which is, itself, a valuable industrial solvent.