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2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK)

  • Other solvents
  • CAS 108-83-8
  • IUPAC: 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone

2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) (CAS 108-83-8) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Moderate eye and skin irritant at high concentration; vapors cause headache, drowsiness, and CNS depression. OSHA PEL 50 ppm (290 mg/m³); ACGIH TLV 25 ppm. Acute oral LD50 5,285 mg/kg (rat) — low acute toxicity. Not a sensitizer; not a confirmed carcinogen. Listed on FEMA priority substances for flavor manufacturing workplace inhalation.

2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone — known commercially as diisobutyl ketone or DIBK — is a branched aliphatic ketone with a sweet, mildly fruity odor. It is a common co-solvent in penetrating oils and rust-removers because it dissolves waxes, asphalts, and oxidized hydrocarbons that block fastener threads.

Health effects are dominated by inhalation exposure: DIBK vapors are absorbed efficiently and cause headache, dizziness, and CNS depression at concentrations above the OSHA PEL (50 ppm). It is not a respiratory or skin sensitizer and is not classified as a carcinogen.

Environmentally, DIBK biodegrades readily, is not bioaccumulative, and has low aquatic toxicity. Its main environmental burden is VOC contribution to ground-level ozone — typical of ketone solvents.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Mid-volatility ketone co-solvent — improves wax and asphalt solubility, helps wicking into corroded threads

Common questions about 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK)

What is 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) used for in car care?
Mid-volatility ketone co-solvent — improves wax and asphalt solubility, helps wicking into corroded threads
Is 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) a VOC?
Yes. 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) biodegradable?
Yes. 2,6-Dimethyl-4-heptanone (Diisobutyl ketone, DIBK) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.