Diacetone alcohol, natural occurrence, toxic effects, other health hazards and diversified uses

ABSTRACT

Diacetone alcohol, a beta-hydroxy ketone, is prepared on an industrial scale by aldolization of acetone in the presence of basic catalysts. It undergoes dealdolization and dehydration in various amines and dehydrating agents respectively. It occurs as a component of flavour and aroma of different plants, fruits and their products. It is found in a few animal bodies and in some insect secretions, where it functions as a sex-attractant alarm pheromone. It is toxic to man, some fishes, bacteria and even plants. Diacetone-urea adduct finds uses in animal feed, where it acts as growth stimulant. Its use has also been reported in clinically important formulations. It has wide applications in the surface coating, cleaning and corrosion inhibition. It acts as a good frothing and foaming agent in various ores. It finds limited applications in the analytical chemistry