4-methyl-2-pentanone is used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, gums, resins, varnishes, paints, lacquers, nitrocellulose, certain polymers and as a denaturing agent. It acts as a precursor for the preparation of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylene diamine (6PPD), which finds application as an antiozonant in tires. Its aqueous solution serves as a developer for PMMA electron beam lithography resist.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.