Diacetyl

Uses and characteristics

Diacetyl

Uses and characteristics

Diacetyl, also known as alpha-diketone or 2,3-butanedione is a yellow-green volatile liquid with an intense buttery flavour. It is highly flammable with a Flash Point of 6°C.

Usage

In diluted form, diacetyl has a distinct taste and smell of butter and is a natural component of butter aroma and contributes to the fine pleasant flavour of cottage cheese, buttermilk, and other fermented dairy products.

Diacetyl is used as a flavouring agent in butter, margarine, oil sprays, and other butter-flavoured substances and gives microwave popcorn its buttery flavour.

Characteristics

In high concentration, diacetyl smells distinctly rancid. It is naturally produced by lactic acid bacteria.

Diacetyl may cause severe and irreversible lung damage through prolonged or repeated exposure.

Natural diacetyl is produced by fermentation of Sugarcane Bagasse. Synthetic diacetyl by dehydrogenation of 2,3-butanediol via the intermediate Acetoin. Industrial production capacity is mainly located in China. A historic producer is also present in South Africa.

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