Diacetone Alcohol

Other names: Diacetonal alcohol, DAA, 4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one

Diacetone Alcohol (DAA), known in English as Diacetonal Alcohol, is an organic substance belonging to the secondary alcohols. It is a colourless liquid with a characteristic sweet odour that is miscible with water and organic solvents. Its chemical formula is (CH3)2C(OH)CH2COCH3 and another name for this substance is also 4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one.

Diacetonal alcohol is widely used in industry. It is one of the components of some paints, inks and adhesives where it acts as a solvent. It is also a component of some cleaning and degreasing agents. In the cosmetic industry, it is used in some skin and hair care products. Another use is in the chemical industry, where it serves as a precursor for the production of other chemical compounds, such as methacrylates, which are used in the manufacture of certain plastics and rubbers. Its potential for use in biofuels is also currently being investigated. Although DAA has a wide range of applications, precautions must be taken when handling it as it can be harmful to health.