Mesityl oxide is a α,β-unsaturated ketone with the formula CH3C(O)CH=C(CH3)2. This compound is a colorless, volatile liquid with a honey-like odor.[1]
It is prepared by the aldol condensation of acetone to give diacetone alcohol, which readily dehydrates to give this compound.[2]
Phorone and isophorone may be formed under the same conditions. Isophorone originates via a Michael addition:
Phorone is formed by continued aldol condensation:
Mesityl oxide is used as a solvent and in the production of methyl isobutyl ketone by hydrogenation:[2]
Further hydrogenation gives 4-methyl-2-pentanol (methyl isobutyl carbinol).
Dimedone is another established use of mesityl oxide.