Methyl vinyl ketone

Methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) is a stable, highly flammable, heat- and light-sensitive, and colourless liquid. It is incompatible with strong bases, strong oxidising agents, and strong reducing agents and undergoes autopolymerisation. MVK is a reactive organic compound classified as an enone. It is a colourless to yellow, flammable, highly toxic liquid with a pungent odour. It is easily soluble in water, methanol, ethanol, and acetic acid. It can act as an alkylating agent. Its alkylating ability is both the source of its high toxicity and the feature that makes it a useful intermediate in organic synthesis. It polymerises spontaneously and is used in the manufacture of plastic polymers. It is also an intermediate in the synthesis of steroids and vitamin A.