1. Chemical Structure and Properties
Molecular Formula: C₃H₆O
Structural Formula:
CH₃-CO-CH₃
Acetone is a simple ketone with a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two methyl groups.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive, sweet, pungent odor.
Boiling Point: 56.05°C
Density: 0.7845 g/cm³ at 20°C
Vapor Pressure: 23.1 kPa at 20°C
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and most organic solvents.
Chemical Properties:
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases. It can undergo nucleophilic addition, oxidation, and reduction reactions.
Flammability: Highly flammable (flash point: -20°C; autoignition temperature: 530°C).
2. Industrial Applications
Solvents:
Paints and Coatings: Used as a solvent in the formulation of paints, varnishes, and lacquers.
Adhesives and Resins: Solvent in the production of adhesives, resins, and inks.
Chemical Intermediates:
Methyl Methacrylate: Intermediate in the production of polymers such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate).
Acetone Cyanohydrin: Used in the synthesis of methyl methacrylate and other chemicals.
Pharmaceuticals:
Extraction and Purification: Used in the extraction and purification of pharmaceuticals and natural products.
Personal Care:
Nail Polish Remover: Commonly used as a solvent in nail polish removers.
Cosmetics: Solvent in various cosmetic products, including lotions and perfumes.
3. Safety and Toxicology
Acute Exposure:
Inhalation: Inhalation of acetone vapors can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and irritation of the respiratory tract. The TLV-TWA is 250 ppm.
Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause irritation and defatting.
Eye Contact: Can cause severe eye irritation.
Ingestion: Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Neurotoxicity: Prolonged exposure can lead to CNS depression and other neurological effects.
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a carcinogen by IARC.
Reproductive Toxicity: No significant reproductive toxicity has been reported.
Protection Measures:
PPE: Use nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator if working in an enclosed space.
Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids.
4. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations
Environmental Impact:
Biodegradability: Highly biodegradable, with a half-life of about 20 days in water.
Aquatic Toxicity: LC₅₀ (fish, 96h): 50–100 mg/L.
VOC Status: Classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) in the EU and USA.
Regulatory Frameworks:
EU:
REACH: Registered with no SVHC listing.
CLP: Classified as a Category 2 flammable liquid.
USA:
EPA: Regulated under TSCA; listed as a VOC under the Clean Air Act.
OSHA: PEL: 1000 ppm (8-hour TWA).
China:
GB 13690-2009: Classified as a Category 2 flammable liquid.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations. Incineration in a suitable facility is recommended.
5. Case Studies and Application Insights
Case 1: Low-VOC Paints (Dulux, 2020)
Challenge: Reduce VOC emissions in architectural coatings.
Solution: Formulated a new line of low-VOC paints using acetone as a solvent.
Result: Achieved 30% lower VOC emissions (ASTM D6886) and maintained paint performance (ASTM D2486).
Case 2: Sustainable Adhesive Production (3M, 2021)
Process: Used acetone as a solvent in the production of bio-based adhesives.
Impact: Reduced the use of synthetic solvents by 20% and met sustainability standards (ISO 14001).
Comparative Analysis:
Acetone vs. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK):
Pros: Lower toxicity (higher TLV-TWA), better biodegradability.
Cons: Higher volatility and flammability.
Acetone vs. Ethanol:
Pros: Better solvency for non-polar compounds, lower hygroscopicity.
Cons: Ethanol is less toxic and has a higher flash point.
Specifications:
Acetone (2-propanone or dimethyl ketone) is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2CO. It is the simplest and smallest ketone (>C=O). It is a colorless, highly volatile and flammable liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.
Acetone is miscible with water and serves as an important organic solvent in industry, home, and laboratory. About 6.7 million tonnes were produced worldwide in 2010, mainly for use as a solvent and for production of methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A, which are precursors to widely used plastics. It is a common building block in organic chemistry. It serves as a solvent in household products such as nail polish remover and paint thinner. It has volatile organic compound (VOC)-exempt status in the United States.
Acetone is produced and disposed of in the human body through normal metabolic processes. It is normally present in blood and urine. People with diabetic ketoacidosis produce it in larger amounts. Ketogenic diets that increase ketone bodies (acetone, β-hydroxybutyric acid and acetoacetic acid) in the blood are used to counter epileptic attacks in children who suffer from refractory epilepsy.