3-Hexanone (ethyl propyl ketone) is an organic compound with the formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O. It is a ketone used as a solvent and as a chemical intermediate. It is highly flammable. It has roles as a human urinary metabolite, a human xenobiotic metabolite, an insect trap, a plant metabolite and a bacterial xenobiotic metabolite. It derives from a hydride of hexane.
According to IFF, it was described as having sweet, fruity, waxy, grape organoleptic properties.
3-Hexanone can be obtained by oxidation of 3-hexanol:
It is also the product of the Grignard reaction of propylmagnesium bromide with propionitrile:
3-Hexanone can also act as a neurotoxin, causing chronic solvent-induced encephalopathy. Patients with this disease can experience difficulty sleeping, a decrease in intellectual capacity, dizziness, altered visual perception, impaired psychomotor skills, forgetfulness, and disorientation. Neurological signs include impaired vibratory sensation at extremities and an inability to maintain steady motion.