2-Pentanone is a natural product that occurs in Vitis rotundifolia, Aloe africana, and other organisms for which data are available.

2-Pentanone or methyl propyl ketone (MPK) is a minor ketone and solvent. It is comparable to methyl ethyl ketone, but has lower solvency power and is more expensive. [5] It occurs naturally in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)[6] and blue cheese as a metabolite of Penicillium growth.

2-Pentanone, also known as ethylacetone or fema 2842, 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 is a hydrogen atom). Ketones with one or more α-hydrogen atoms undergo keto-enol tautomerization, the tautomer being an enol. 2-Pentanone is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. Therefore, 2-pentanone is considered to be an oxygenated hydrocarbon lipid molecule. 2-Pentanone is a sweet, alcoholic and banana-like compound. On average, 2-pentanone is found in the highest concentrations in milk (cattle). 2-Pentanone has also been detected, but not quantified, in several different foods, such as fats and oils, corn, apples, evergreen blackberries, and fruits. This may make 2-pentanone a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. 2-Pentanone, in humans, has been found to be associated with various diseases such as ulcerative colitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and Crohn's disease; 2-pentanone has also been associated with the inborn metabolic disorder celiac disease .

2-Pentanone is used as a solvent for varnishes and surface coatings. It acts as a flavoring agent. It is also used as a solvent for cleaning and degreasing. In addition, it is used as an intermediate, paint additive, and coating additive.