Acetone formula: Structure, Properties and Uses

Acetone formula - Acetone is an extremely flammable organic compound. It has a chemical formula of C 3 H 6 O , and is also referred to as propanone. This colourless and volatile solvent can be found in auto exhausts, plants, trees, forest fires, urine and blood. It also mixes with several liquids, including water, ether and ethanol; and it has a pungent, floral or irritating odour. Acetone is widely used for antiseptic and solvent purposes. Alchemists carried out the first production of acetone through the dry distillation of metal acetates; while nowadays it is often derived from propylene via either direct or indirect methods. Most of the acetone available today is generated during the cumene process (83%). In addition to this method various other techniques can be used to produce it.

Structure of Acetone – C 3 H 6 O

Properties of Acetone

Preparation of acetone

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Chemical Properties of Acetone

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Uses of Acetone

• Acetone is a versatile chemical, often utilized in many industrial processes such as cleaning, chemical research, and carrying acetylene.
• It is employed in small doses to create products that break down or dissolve substances like nail polish, paint, and varnish.
• It can also be used for removing grease or gum from materials like wool and silk, as well as making lacquers for cars and furniture and plastics.
• Besides these uses, Acetone is also a precursor for methyl methacrylate which is found in certain drugs supplied by the pharmaceutical industry.
• Additionally, it serves to rinse lab glassware in laboratories.

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Health Hazards of acetone – C3H6O

• While highly flammable, acetone has low acute and chronic toxicity. If inhaled, acetone can cause sore throats and coughs.
• It is possible to irritate your nose, throat, lungs, and eyes by breathing moderate to high levels of acetone for a short period of time.
• There can also be headaches, dizziness, confusion, a faster pulse, nausea, vomiting, effects on the blood, passing out and possible coma, and a shorter menstrual cycle in women.

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Things to remember

• Paint and grease can be dissolved or broken down by acetone, a colorless liquid solvent.
• The most important aliphatic ketone is acetone.
• Its other names are dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, propanone, and beta-ketopropane.
• Pure acetone is an aromatic and flammable organic compound.
• Trees, tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, and landfills naturally contain it.
• Artificial fibers and explosives are manufactured with acetone.