Isophorone
A high-boiling cyclic ketone slow-drying solvent that serves as both a high-performance coating aid and the key intermediate for IPDI synthesis.
Product photo plus packaging, storage and loading conditions at our Dongguan facility.
At a Glance
| CAS No. | 78-59-1 |
| Chemical Name | Isophorone (3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-enone, 3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one) |
| Molecular Formula | C9H14O |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Origin | China |
| Packaging | 210 L steel drum (190 kg) / IBC / ISO tank container / small drum |
| Lead Time | About 60 working days after deposit |
Product Overview
Isophorone — also called 3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-enone — is synthesised from acetone by condensation and cyclisation, then purified by multi-stage vacuum distillation that removes light and heavy fractions. Colour and water content are tightly controlled, so evaporation rate and resin solvency stay consistent from batch to batch. A high-boiling cyclic unsaturated ketone with a boiling point of 215 °C, it evaporates very slowly and dissolves epoxy, PU, acrylic and nitrocellulose resins exceptionally well: high-temperature baking films stay free of blistering, orange peel and pinholes. Its built-in double bond also makes it an indispensable building block for isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI).
Global expansion of high-solids compliant coatings and new-energy vehicle topcoat capacity continues to pull isophorone demand upward, while polyurethane elastomers and advanced photoresists add further volume. As low-VOC coating policies phase out fast-drying aromatic solvents, demand for high-boiling, environmentally suitable slow-drying ketones keeps growing.
Key Advantages
Very High Boiling Point, Made for Baking Processes
Slow, even evaporation means no pinholes, bubbles or sagging during baking, giving a dense, full-gloss film and far fewer coating reworks.
Broad, Strong Solvency Across High-Performance Resins
A single solvent handles epoxy, polyurethane and high-solids acrylic resins that are otherwise hard to dissolve, removing the need for multiple co-solvents and simplifying the coating formula.
Solvent and Intermediate in One Raw Material
It serves as the dilution medium for premium baking enamels and screen inks and as the key synthesis feedstock for IPDI, fragrances and pesticides, covering several value chains from one purchase.
Higher Flash Point for Safer Storage and Transport
Compared with conventional fast-drying solvents it is far less of a fire risk in the workshop and warehouse, which lowers everyday handling and protection requirements.
Applications
Isophorone covers six distinct industrial segments: automotive baking coatings, premium screen printing inks, polyurethane IPDI synthesis, specialty sealants, electronic photoresists and pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates.
- Automotive baking coatings — a dedicated slow-drying levelling solvent for OEM topcoats, refinish paints and high-solids coil coatings, improving outdoor weather resistance and film fullness.
- Premium screen printing inks — a carrier for plastic, metal and high-temperature screen inks that does not block the screen and delivers fine, sharp-edged prints.
- Polyurethane core intermediate — the feedstock for isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and for non-yellowing outdoor PU and elastomer materials.
- Industrial specialty adhesives — a diluent for high-temperature sealants and polyurethane laminating adhesives that extends open time and bonds firmly without hazing.
Technical Specifications
| Appearance | Pale yellow liquid |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Molecular Formula | C9H14O |
| CAS No. | 78-59-1 |
| EINECS No. | 201-126-0 |
| Relative Density (water = 1) | 0.81 (at 15 °C) |
| Flash Point | On request |
| Boiling Point | 215.3 °C |
| Hazard Classification | Not classified as dangerous goods |
| Stability | Stable when sealed at ambient temperature; can react exothermically with strong acids and strong oxidisers |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with alcohols, ketones, esters, aromatics and oils |
| Storage | Store sealed in a conventional ventilated warehouse away from open flame and heat sources, in a separate zone from oxidisers and strong alkalis, with sand and foam firefighting material available. |
Composition
| Component | Concentration | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|
| Isophorone | ≥99% | 78-59-1 |
Transport & Compliance
| UN No. | None (not classified as dangerous goods) |
| Hazard Class | None (not classified as dangerous goods) |
| Packing Group | Standard packaging |
| HS Code | 2914290000 |
| Packaging | 190 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?
About 60 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
MSDS and batch COA for Isophorone are available on request. Tell us your quantity and destination port and we will send the documents with your quotation. Request documents →
Request a Quote for Isophorone
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