Chemical Formula: C?H?O
Molecular Weight: 58.08 g/mol
Description:
Acetone is a colorless, highly volatile, and flammable liquid with a distinctive sweet, pungent odor. It is the simplest and most widely used ketone (propanone), known for its excellent solvency and rapid evaporation. Acetone is completely miscible with water and most organic solvents, making it an essential medium for cleaning, degreasing, and chemical synthesis.
Due to its low toxicity and high volatility, acetone serves as a key ingredient in pharmaceuticals, coatings, adhesives, cosmetics, and laboratory applications.
Chemical Industry:
Used as a solvent and intermediate in the manufacture of methyl methacrylate, bisphenol-A, and other organic compounds.
Paints & Coatings:
Excellent solvent for resins, lacquers, and varnishes; promotes fast drying and good film formation.
Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics:
Utilized in formulation and purification processes; ingredient in nail polish removers and cosmetic cleaners.
Laboratory & Cleaning:
Commonly used as a cleaning and degreasing solvent for glassware, instruments, and metal surfaces.
Plastics & Adhesives:
Solvent for cellulose acetate, vinyl resins, and certain rubbers; used in adhesive formulations and polymer processing.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor |
| Purity (Assay) | ≥ 99.5% (ACS / LR Grade) |
| Boiling Point | ~56°C |
| Melting Point | ~–95°C |
| Density | ~0.79 g/cm³ at 25°C |
| Flash Point | –18°C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohol, ether, and most organic solvents |
| Evaporation Rate | Very high |
| Grade | Laboratory / Industrial / Analytical |
| Packaging | 5 L / 20 L / 200 L HDPE or metal drums |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Keep containers tightly closed and away from oxidizing agents. |