cetone

Cetone, commonly known as acetone, is the simplest and smallest ketone. Its chemical formula is C3H6O and its IUPAC name is propan-2-one. It is a colorless, highly volatile liquid that is miscible with water and most organic solvents. Cetone has a boiling point of about 56°C and a melting point around -95°C. It is flammable and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.

In industry, cetone is produced predominantly through the cumene process, which yields phenol and acetone as co-products. A secondary route is the oxidation of isopropanol. The cumene process is the major source of acetone worldwide, while direct oxidation of secondary alcohols provides smaller amounts.

Cetone serves as a versatile solvent and industrial intermediate. It is widely used as a solvent for coatings, cleaners, degreasers, and nail polish remover. It also acts as a reactive solvent in many organic syntheses and as an intermediate in the production of methyl methacrylate and certain polymers. Because it is miscible with water, it is effective for cleaning and extraction tasks in laboratories and manufacturing settings.

Safety and environmental considerations are important. Cetone is highly flammable, with vapors that can ignite at relatively low temperatures. Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs, and inhalation of high concentrations may affect the nervous system. It is readily biodegradable and generally has low aquatic toxicity, but proper storage, handling, and ventilation are required. Regulations typically classify it as a hazardous flammable liquid, with guidelines for spill response and personal protective equipment.