Description

Ketene is a highly reactive and versatile gaseous organic compound, primarily valued for its role as a fundamental acetylating agent in chemical synthesis. Its high reactivity makes it a crucial building block for the production of a wide range of commercially important derivatives. This compound is essential for manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries seeking efficient acetylation pathways.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Key starting material for the synthesis of important drug molecules, including certain antibiotics and vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A, Vitamin E).
• Acetic Anhydride Production: A primary industrial route for manufacturing acetic anhydride, a vital reagent in cellulose acetate production.
• Agrochemical Synthesis: Used in the manufacture of certain herbicides, pesticides, and plant growth regulators.
• Dye and Pigment Intermediates: Serves as an acetylating agent in the synthesis of various colorants and their precursors.
• Polymer Modification: Employed in the acetylation of polymers to alter their physical properties, such as solubility and thermal stability.
• Research & Development: A valuable reagent in academic and industrial R&D labs for exploring new synthetic methodologies and creating novel chemical entities.

Basic Information

Product Name	Ketene
CAS No.	463-51-4
Molecular Formula	C2H2O
Molecular Weight	42.04 g/mol
Synonyms	Ethenone; Carbomethene; Keten; Ethanon; Ketene, dimer; Carbonethene; Oxoethene; 1-Oxoethene; Acetyl ketene; Ketene gas
EINECS	207-336-9

Quality Control

Our Ketene is produced and handled under stringent quality management protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and high purity. While typically supplied as a gas generated in situ for immediate use, its precursor materials and generation process are rigorously controlled. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing key parameters are available upon request, and our quality systems are designed to support compliance with cGMP and other relevant industry standards for advanced chemical synthesis.

Storage

Due to its highly volatile and reactive gaseous nature, ketene is not stored commercially in bulk quantities. It is typically generated as needed from stable precursors like diketene or acetic anhydride via pyrolysis. The precursor materials should be preserved in tightly closed, light-resistant containers in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat and ignition sources. Generated ketene must be used immediately in a controlled process stream.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance (Gas)	Colorless
Odor	Pungent, penetrating
Purity (by GC)	≥ 95.0%
Major Impurity (Diketene)	< 5.0%
Identification (IR)	Conforms

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.