Propiophenone
[CAS# 93-55-0]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Ketone compound
• Name: Propiophenone
• Synonyms: 1-Phenyl-1-propanone; Ethyl phenyl ketone
• Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₀O
• Molecular Weight: 134.18
• CAS Registry Number: 93-55-0
• EC Number: 202-257-6
• FEMA: 3469
• SMILES: CCC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1

Properties

• Density: 1.0±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*, 1.009 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 17 - 19 ºC (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 218.0 ºC 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*, 218 ºC (Expl.)
• Flash point: 87.8 ºC (Calc.)^*, 99 ºC (Expl.)
• Solubility: water: insoluble (Expl.)
• Index of refraction: 1.507 (Calc.)^*, 1.526 (Expl.)

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H319
• Precautionary Statements: P264+P265-P280-P305+P351+P338-P337+P317

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

Discovory and Applicatios

Propiophenone is an aromatic ketone with the chemical formula C₉H₁₀O. It consists of a phenyl group attached to a propionyl group and is classified as an aryl alkyl ketone. This compound appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic sweet, floral odor. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves well in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

The synthesis of propiophenone dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when aromatic ketones were investigated extensively for their chemical properties and potential uses. Propiophenone is commonly produced through the Friedel–Crafts acylation reaction, where benzene is treated with propionyl chloride in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as aluminum chloride. This method remains one of the primary industrial routes for its preparation.

Propiophenone serves as an important intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical and fragrance industries. It is used as a starting material for the synthesis of various drugs, dyes, and perfumes. Due to its ketone functional group, it undergoes a range of chemical transformations including reduction to corresponding alcohols, halogenation, and condensation reactions.

In pharmaceutical synthesis, propiophenone derivatives have been utilized to develop compounds with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and psychoactive properties. For example, it has been used as a precursor in the manufacture of cathinone derivatives, which are structurally related to stimulants. However, due to potential misuse, the production and distribution of propiophenone are regulated in several countries.

Propiophenone’s applications in the fragrance industry rely on its pleasant scent and its role as a building block for aroma compounds. It is incorporated in the synthesis of fragrances that have sweet, floral, or fruity notes.

The compound’s chemical properties also make it a valuable reagent in laboratory research, where it is used to study ketone reactivity and as a model compound in reaction mechanisms.

From a safety perspective, propiophenone is flammable and should be handled with care in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources. Exposure may cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Adequate personal protective equipment and proper storage are necessary to prevent accidents.

Environmental considerations include its potential to contaminate water and air if released improperly. Disposal methods must comply with regulations to minimize environmental impact.

Propiophenone remains a versatile chemical in various industries, valued for its synthetic utility, pleasant aroma, and role in the production of bioactive compounds.

References

2025. Evaluation of the lipophilicity of morpholino propiophenones by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography and computational methods. JPC - Journal of Planar Chromatography - Modern TLC, 38(3).
DOI: 10.1007/s00764-025-00356-w

2025. Mechanochemical activation of metallic lithium for the generation and application of organolithium compounds in air. Nature Synthesis, 4(2).
DOI: 10.1038/s44160-025-00753-3

2024. Density, Speed of Sound, and Refractive Index of Binary Mixtures of Propiophenone + (3-Amino-1-propanol, Propylamine, or Isobutanol) at Temperatures of 298.15 to 308.15 K: Modeling by Prigogine-Flory-Patterson Theory. Journal of Solution Chemistry, 53(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s10953-023-01350-8