[6] The mechanism of action of 2-heptanone as a pheromone at odorant receptors in rodents has been investigated.

[11] 2-Heptanone has also been found to be excreted by honey bees when they bite small pests within the colony such as wax moth larvae and Varroa mites.

The work could lead to the use of 2-heptanone as an alternative local anaesthetic to lidocaine, which although well established for clinical use, has the disadvantage of provoking allergic reactions in some people.

[12] 2-Heptanone was one of the metabolites of n-heptane found in the urine of employees exposed to heptane in shoe and tire factories.

Gaillard et al 2002 found that it agonizes one specific olfactory receptor, and that that OR only binds 2-H.[16]