MOLECULE

2-Heptanone

2-Heptanone, also known as butylacetone or heptan-2-one, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as ketones. These are organic compounds in which a carbonyl group is bonded to two carbon atoms R2C=O (neither R may be a hydrogen atom). 2-Heptanone is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. It is a colorless, water-like liquid with a blue-cheesy, banana-like, fruity or cinnamon odor. It has a cheesy, cocount-like taste. 2-Heptanone is one of several ketones that are found in cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645). 2-Heptanone is an FDA-approved food additive and is also used as a perfuming agent or fragrance in cosmetics. 2-Heptanone can be added to baked goods, condiments and hard candy. 2-Heptanone occurs naturally in certain foods such as beer, white bread, butter, various cheeses and potato chips. 2-Heptanone is one of the metabolites of n-heptane found in the urine of employees exposed to heptane in shoe and tire factories.