Diacetone Alcohol (DAA)

A ketone-alcohol slow-evaporating coupling solvent with strong resin solvency and a second life as an organic synthesis intermediate, built for industrial baking enamels, packaging and printing inks, precision electronics cleaning, pharmaceutical fine synthesis, agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates and eco-friendly adhesives.

At a Glance

CAS No.	123-42-2
Chemical Name	4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one (diacetone alcohol, DAA, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone)
Molecular Formula	C6H12O2
Purity	≥97%
Origin	China
Packaging	195 kg per drum (210 L steel drum) / IBC / ISO tank / small drum
Lead Time	15–20 working days after deposit

Product Overview

Diacetone alcohol is produced by low-temperature condensation of acetone followed by multi-stage precision distillation. Light ends and free acetone are tightly controlled, so evaporation rate and solvency stay consistent from batch to batch. The molecule carries both a ketone group and a hydroxyl group, making it compatible with water-borne and solvent-borne systems alike; it dissolves acrylic, nitrocellulose, epoxy and polyurethane resins with ease and evaporates gently at a moderate boiling point. Used as a slow-evaporating co-solvent it eliminates orange peel, pinholes and blushing in spray applications, while its esterification and condensation reactivity makes it a key feedstock for MIBK and for pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates.

Worldwide expansion of automotive finishes, food packaging inks and high-end electronics manufacturing keeps diacetone alcohol in steady demand. As VOC regulations tighten in more markets, low-odour slow-evaporating oxygenated solvents are replacing aggressive aromatics and ketones, and DAA continues to gain share on the strength of its environmental profile and film-forming performance.

Key Advantages

Ketone-Alcohol Amphiphilic Structure, a Universal Coupling Agent

Works in both water-borne and solvent-borne coating systems without phase separation during let-down, so several co-solvents can be replaced by one and formulation work is much simpler.

Balanced Slow Evaporation, Better Film Appearance

The gradual evaporation curve leaves a generous flow and levelling window in spray applications, sharply reducing orange peel, pinholes, blushing and cratering for a full, even gloss.

Broad Resin Solvency for Every Baking Enamel System

Strong dissolving power for nitrocellulose, acrylic, alkyd, epoxy and PU resins — one slow thinner and co-solvent for automotive, wood and metal baking enamels.

One Raw Material, Two Uses: Solvent and Intermediate

Serves as a coating and cleaning solvent and as a core feedstock for MIBK, vitamins and pyrethroid agrochemicals, covering several production lines from a single purchase item.

Applications

Diacetone alcohol serves six distinct industrial sectors: high-end industrial baking enamels, packaging and printing inks, precision electronics cleaning, pharmaceutical fine synthesis, agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates and eco-friendly adhesives.

• High-end industrial baking enamels — a dedicated slow thinner and levelling solvent for automotive topcoats, metal coil coatings and wood baking finishes, improving weatherability and adhesion while eliminating spray defects.
• Packaging and printing inks — a high-boiling co-solvent for food flexible-packaging gravure and plastic screen inks that stabilises pigment dispersion, prevents screen blocking at high press speeds and keeps print detail crisp without trailing.
• Precision electronics cleaning — a cleaner for PCB assemblies, optical lenses, spray jigs and ink residues that leaves no ionic residue and does not corrode the substrate.
• Pharmaceutical fine synthesis — an intermediate solvent for vitamins, hormones and anti-inflammatory drugs, giving fewer reaction by-products and higher purified yield.

Technical Specifications

Appearance	Colourless transparent liquid with a soft, mild ketone odour
Purity (%)	≥97%
Molecular Formula	C6H12O2
CAS No.	123-42-2
EINECS No.	204-626-7
Relative Density (water = 1)	0.90 (20 °C)
Flash Point	63.5 °C
Boiling Point	167.9 °C
Hazard Classification	Class 3 flammable liquid
Stability	Stable at ambient temperature in sealed containers and not prone to decomposition; avoid strong alkalis and strong acids, and quality remains stable in long-term storage
Solubility	Miscible with water, alcohols, ketones, esters, aromatics and chlorinated hydrocarbons
Storage	Store in a cool, ventilated dedicated hazardous goods warehouse at 37 °C or below with containers kept fully sealed. Segregate from strong acids, oxidisers and strong alkalis. The area requires explosion-proof lighting, spark-free tools and sand or earth for spill containment.

Composition

Component	Concentration	CAS No.
Diacetone alcohol	≥97%	123-42-2

Transport & Compliance

UN No.	UN1148
Hazard Class	Class 3 flammable liquid
Packing Group	II
HS Code	2914400000
Packaging	195 kg per drum (210 L steel drum)

UN and HS codes are shown for reference only — please confirm with us before shipment.

FAQ

What is your minimum order quantity?

Our MOQ is one 20GP container — up to 80 drums of 210 L.

What packaging do you offer?

Standard 210 L steel drums, plus IBC totes, ISO tank containers and small drums.

How many drums fit in a 20GP or 40GP, and can you consolidate?

Yes, we consolidate up to 5 product types in one shipment. A 20GP holds up to 80 drums (210 L); a 40GP holds around 130 drums (210 L).

What is the lead time?

15–20 working days after the deposit is received.

Which export documents do you provide?

COA, MSDS, commodity inspection certificate and dangerous goods packaging certificate. We can also assist with Certificate of Origin and other customs paperwork.

What payment terms do you accept?

T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading.

Technical Documents