Title: Acetoacetic Acid
CAS Registry Number: 541-50-4
CAS Name: 3-Oxobutanoic acid
Synonyms: diacetic acid; acetylacetic acid; acetonecarboxylic acid; 3-ketobutyric acid; 2-ketobutyric acid
Molecular Formula: C4H6O3
Molecular Weight: 102.09
Percent Composition: C 47.06%, H 5.92%, O 47.02%
Line Formula: CH3COCH2COOH
Literature References: Prepd by hydrolysis of ethyl acetoacetate: Krueger,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 74, 5536 (1952).
Properties: Crystals from ether, mp 36-37°. A strong, but unstable acid. At 100° violently decomposes into acetone and CO2. Miscible with water, alc.
Melting point: mp 36-37°
CAUTION: Severely irritating to skin, mucous membranes.
Use: In organic syntheses.