Aseton

Acetone, also known as propan-2-one or dimethyl ketone, is the simplest ketone. It is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a sharp odor. Its chemical formula is C3H6O (molar mass 58.08 g/mol). It is miscible with water and many organic solvents, and it is highly flammable.

Production and occurrence: In industry, acetone is mainly produced as a byproduct of the cumene process used to manufacture phenol and acetone. It can also be formed by catalytic dehydrogenation of isopropanol. Small amounts occur naturally in trace quantities in some fruits and plants.

Properties: Acetone has a boiling point of about 56°C and a low viscosity. It forms a homogeneous solution with water and many solvents. It is stable under normal handling conditions but vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Like many carbonyl compounds, acetone can form organic peroxides if stored improperly, so containers should be kept tightly closed and away from oxidizers and heat.

Applications: It is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, polymers, adhesives, and cleaning formulations. In cosmetics and nail care, acetone is a common remover. It also serves as an important feedstock in chemical synthesis, including the production of methyl methacrylate and various pharmaceuticals, and is used in laboratories as a general-purpose solvent and cleaning agent.

Safety and regulation: Acetone is flammable and its vapors can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory system. It should be used in well-ventilated areas, kept away from heat sources, and stored in appropriate containers. Peroxide formation is a storage consideration, and disposal should follow hazardous-waste guidelines.

See also: acetone peroxide, cumene process, isopropanol, methyl methacrylate.