Product brief introduction
Shandong RuiShuang Chemical offers premium Isophorone (CAS: 78-59-1) with 99.0% minimum purity. This high-boiling, slow-evaporating solvent delivers exceptional solvency for vinyl resins, nitrocellulose, and polyurethane systems. Essential for high-solids coatings, printing inks, agrochemicals, and as a precursor for IPDI production. Sourced from China's leading manufacturers with professional hazardous chemical logistics.
Product overview
Isophorone, chemically known as 3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one with the molecular formula C₉H₁₄O and CAS number 78-59-1, is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a characteristic peppermint-like or camphoraceous odor . As a high-boiling ketone solvent, it is valued for its exceptional solvency power, slow evaporation rate, and excellent compatibility with a wide range of resins and polymers . With a boiling point of 215°C and a flash point of 84°C, it is classified as a flammable liquid but offers significantly reduced volatility compared to conventional low-boiling solvents . Its unique molecular structure, featuring an unsaturated cyclic ketone, makes it not only an outstanding solvent but also a versatile chemical intermediate, most notably as the precursor for Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI), a key building block for high-performance polyurethane coatings .
Product detail description
What is Isophorone and Why Is It Essential for High-Performance Coatings?
In the world of industrial coatings and specialty chemicals, the choice of solvent can dramatically influence final product performance. Isophorone, often abbreviated as IPHO, stands apart as a high-boiling point solvent that delivers exceptional results where conventional solvents fall short. Its unique combination of strong solvency, slow evaporation, and chemical stability makes it indispensable for formulating high-solids coatings, specialty printing inks, and advanced polymer systems .
At Shandong RuiShuang Chemical, we understand that what is isophorone goes beyond its chemical definition. For coatings formulators, chemical engineers, and procurement specialists, IPHO represents a critical tool for achieving superior film formation, excellent flow and leveling, and enhanced durability in demanding applications. Our role as a trusted isophorone supplier is to ensure that this specialty solvent reaches you with consistent high purity isophorone specifications, backed by stable supply chains and professional hazardous material handling expertise.
Key Properties of High-Purity Isophorone
| Property | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99.0% | Ensures consistent solvency performance; minimizes impurities that could interfere with reactions or final product quality . |
| Appearance | Clear to Light Yellow Liquid | Color indicates product stability; low-color isophorone preferred for light-colored coatings and applications where aesthetics matter . |
| Water Content | ≤0.1% (1000 ppm) | Critical for moisture-sensitive reactions, particularly in polyurethane systems and IPDI synthesis where water can cause side reactions . |
| Color (APHA) | ≤50 APHA | Lower color values ensure minimal impact on final coating appearance; essential for clear coats and light-colored finishes . |
| Boiling Point | 215°C | High-boiling point enables excellent flow and leveling in coatings; prevents solvent popping during baking; allows for high-temperature processing . |
| Flash Point | 84°C (Closed Cup) | Higher flash point than low-boiling solvents improves safety in handling, storage, and transportation; reduces fire risk . |
| Evaporation Rate | Slow (n-BuAc=1, IPHO≈0.05) | Slow-evaporating solvent allows extended open time for film formation; enables application of thick films without defects . |
| Density | ~0.92 g/mL at 20°C | Affects volumetric calculations for formulation and shipping . |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.2 mmHg at 20°C | Low vapor pressure indicates minimal volatility; contributes to improved worker safety and reduced VOC emissions . |
The Diverse Applications of Isophorone Across Industries
| Industry Sector | Primary Application | Why Isophorone? |
|---|---|---|
| Coatings Industry | High-Solids Coatings | Isophorone for coatings enables formulation of high-solids systems with low VOC; provides excellent flow, leveling, and film integrity for automotive, industrial, and can coatings . |
| Printing Inks | Specialty Ink Solvent | Isophorone for printing inks dissolves high molecular weight resins; provides excellent pigment wetting and adhesion for demanding packaging and industrial printing applications . |
| Agrochemicals | Pesticide Intermediate | Isophorone for agrochemicals serves as a building block for synthesis of crop protection agents and herbicides . |
| Polyurethane Industry | IPDI Production | Primary precursor for Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI) ; IPDI is essential for light-stable, weather-resistant polyurethane coatings used in automotive clear coats and aerospace applications . |
| Chemical Synthesis | Intermediate & Solvent | Used in the production of isophorone derivatives including isophorone diamine, isophorone nitrile, and various specialty chemicals . |
| Industrial Cleaning | Heavy-Duty Cleaner | Effective solvent for removing cured paints, adhesives, and polymer residues due to its strong solvency . |
| Adhesives | Specialty Adhesive Solvent | Dissolves high-performance adhesive polymers for demanding bonding applications |
Isophorone in Coatings: The Key to High-Solids Formulations
The coatings industry has undergone significant transformation driven by environmental regulations limiting VOC emissions. Isophorone for coatings has emerged as an essential component in this evolution:
High-Solids Coatings:
Traditional coatings rely on low-boiling solvents that evaporate rapidly, resulting in high VOC emissions. High-solids coatings formulated with high-boiling point solvent like isophorone can achieve significantly reduced VOC content while maintaining application properties and film performance .
Benefits in Coating Formulations:
Excellent Flow and Leveling: Slow evaporation allows the coating to flow out after application, eliminating brush marks and orange peel effects
Prevents Solvent Popping: In baking enamels, low-boiling solvents can boil during curing, creating defects. IPHO's high boiling point prevents this issue
Enhanced Film Integrity: Controlled evaporation promotes optimal polymer chain entanglement and crosslinking
Compatibility with Multiple Resins: Dissolves nitrocellulose, vinyl resins, acrylics, alkyds, epoxies, and polyurethanes
Applications:
Automotive Coatings: Primer, basecoat, and clear coat formulations
Can Coatings: Interior and exterior food can linings requiring FDA compliance
Industrial Coatings: Heavy-duty equipment, machinery, and structural steel
Wood Coatings: High-performance furniture and flooring finishes
Isophorone as a Precursor for IPDI: Gateway to High-Performance Polyurethanes
One of the most significant applications of isophorone is as the key raw material for Isophorone Diisocyanate (IPDI) , a specialty isocyanate used in high-performance polyurethane coatings:
IPDI Production Process:
Isophorone undergoes hydrogenation to form isophorone diamine
Isophorone diamine is converted to isophorone diisocyanate via phosgenation
Why IPDI Matters:
IPDI-based polyurethane coatings offer unique advantages over conventional aromatic isocyanate systems:
Exceptional Light Stability: Does not yellow upon UV exposure, essential for automotive clear coats and architectural finishes
Weather Resistance: Maintains properties under harsh outdoor conditions
Chemical Resistance: Superior resistance to acids, alkalis, and solvents
Flexibility: Excellent flexibility combined with hardness
Applications of IPDI:
Automotive OEM and refinish clear coats
Aerospace coatings
Industrial maintenance coatings
Powder coatings
Adhesives and sealants
Isophorone in Printing Inks: Meeting Demanding Requirements
Isophorone for printing inks serves critical applications where conventional solvents cannot meet performance requirements:
High-Performance Packaging Inks:
Dissolves high molecular weight resins for superior adhesion to demanding substrates
Provides excellent pigment wetting for vibrant, consistent colors
Slow evaporation allows for extended press stability
Enhances resistance properties for harsh use applications
Industrial Printing:
Used in inks for metal decorating, flexible packaging, and specialty labels
Provides excellent adhesion to difficult substrates including plastics and treated metals
Why Choose Shandong RuiShuang Chemical as Your Isophorone Supplier?
1.Strategic Partnerships with Leading Manufacturers:
Our long-standing with top-tier Chinese chemical companies ensures priority access to high purity isophorone from reputable isophorone manufacturers. We leverage these relationships to secure competitive pricing and reliable allocation even during market tightness.
2.Comprehensive Quality Assurance:
We understand that high purity isophorone for coatings, IPDI synthesis, and specialty applications requires rigorous quality control. Every shipment is tested to meet specifications for purity (≥99.0%), water content, color (APHA), and other critical parameters. Certificates of Analysis (COA) accompany all deliveries, ensuring full traceability.
3.Specialized Chemical Logistics:
Isophorone requires proper handling throughout the supply chain. Our integrated logistics system is designed for efficient transport:
Isophorone ISO tank containers for efficient bulk transport (20-24 MT)
Isophorone drums (190kg/55-gallon steel drums) for smaller volume requirements
IPHO bulk tanker deliveries for large industrial consumers
Experienced carriers certified for chemical transport
Compliance with international shipping regulations (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
4.Flexible Supply Solutions:
We recognize that different customers have different volume requirements:
Isophorone spot cargo for immediate needs
Contract supply for predictable pricing and volume security
Warehouse storage for just-in-time delivery
Custom packaging options tailored to your receiving capabilities
5.Technical Expertise and Application Support:
The successful use of isophorone requires understanding its unique properties and compatibility with various systems. Our team possesses deep technical knowledge to guide customers on:
Formulation optimization for high-solids coatings
IPDI synthesis raw material specifications
Regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions
Troubleshooting application challenges
6.Commitment to Safety and Compliance:
Our business philosophy prioritizes safety alongside customer satisfaction. We provide comprehensive safety documentation, including detailed isophorone MSDS and handling guidelines, and work with customers to ensure they have the information needed to handle this material safely.
📞 Contact our sales team today for a competitive quote and expert consultation.
📧 Email: admin@ruishuangchemical.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp: +8618653633300,+8613573373908
Partner with us for high-performance solvent solutions that drive your success.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q1: What packaging options are available for Isophorone?
A: As a full-service isophorone supplier, we offer multiple packaging solutions:
Isophorone ISO tank containers (20-24 metric tons) – standard for international bulk transport
Isophorone drums (190kg/55-gallon steel drums) – for smaller volume requirements
IBC totes (1000kg) – intermediate bulk containers for efficient handling
IPHO bulk tanker – for large-volume domestic deliveries
All packaging complies with chemical transport regulations and maintains product integrity .
Q2: How should Isophorone be stored?
A: Proper isophorone storage requires:
Cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and ignition sources
Storage temperature between 15°C and 30°C
Use of corrosion-resistant containers (stainless steel, lined carbon steel)
Keeping containers tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination
Separation from strong oxidizers, acids, and alkalis
Secondary containment for spill prevention
Grounding of containers to prevent static accumulation
Following these practices ensures product quality and workplace safety .