What is Acetone – CH3COCH3?
Acetone is an organic compound with the formula (CH3COCH3). It is the most elementary and smallest ketone. It is an odorless, extremely volatile, and combustible liquid with a distinctive pungent odor. It is sometimes known to as propanone. It is present in the combustion of automobiles, plants, and forest fires. It is also typically present in urine and blood in the human body.
Acetone is miscible with water and is an essential organic solvent in business, the household, and the laboratory. In 2010, around 6,7 million tonnes were manufactured globally, primarily for use as a solvent for the manufacturing of methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A. It is a fundamental component in organic chemistry. Acetone is a common household chemical as the primary component in nail polish remover and as a paint thinner.
The human body produces and eliminates acetone through normal metabolic processes. It is typically seen in the blood and urine. Those with diabetic ketoacidosis create more significant quantities. Tests for reproductive toxicity indicate that it poses little risk of causing reproductive issues. Diets that boost the levels of ketone bodies (acetone, –hydroxybutyric acid, and acetoacetic acid) in the blood are used to treat infants and children with refractory epilepsy.
Structure of Acetone – C3H6O
General Properties of Acetone – C3H6O
| C3H6O | Acetone |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 58.08 g/mol |
| Density | 0.784 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 56 °C |
| Melting Point | −94.7 °C |
Acetone Molecular Formula
Acetone Molecular formula is C3H6O or CH3COCH3
Acetone IUPAC Name
acetone (CH3COCH3), IUPAC Name is 2-propanone, propan-2-one or also called dimethyl ketone
Chemical properties of acetone
Keto/enol tautomerism:
As with the majority of ketones, acetone shows keto-enol tautomerism, wherein the nominal keto structure (CH3)2C=O of acetone itself is in equilibrium with the enol isomer (CH3)C(OH)=(CH2) (prop-1-en-2-ol). At room temperature, just 2.4% of the molecules in acetone vapor are in the enol state.
Haloform Reaction
Due to the presence of the CH3-C=O group, acetone interacts with halogen in the presence of alkali to generate haloform and acid salt.
Use of Acetone C3H6O
- It is used to dissolve synthetic fibers and polymers.
- It functions as a precursor for methyl methacrylate.
- It is used to prepare metal prior to painting. It is also utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for certain medications.
- It is volatile and hence used to rinse laboratory glassware
- It is used as a drying agent
- It is used in the defatting process
- It is used in cosmetics like nail polish remover, and to cure acne.
Health Hazards of acetone – CH3COCH3
- Acetone is highly flammable, yet its acute and chronic toxicity is widely acknowledged to be minimal.
- Inhaling acetone may result in a sore throat or cough.
- Short-term exposure to moderate to high concentrations of acetone can irritate the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.
- In addition, it can cause headaches, vertigo, disorientation, a faster pulse, nausea, vomiting, blood effects, fainting and potential coma, and a shorter menstrual cycle in women.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs
Q.1 What is acetone used for?
As a solvent, acetone is frequently employed in the production of plastics and other industrial goods. Acetone may also be used sparingly in domestic products, such as cosmetics and personal care products, with its most common use being in the formulation of nail polish removers.
Q.2 How is acetone produced?
> Acetone is generated directly or indirectly from propylene.
> The cumene cycle accounts for approximately 83% of the world’s acetone production.
>Consequently, the generation of acetone is dependent on the formation of phenols.
>In the cumene cycle, benzene is alkylated with propylene to produce cumene, which is then oxidised by the environment to produce phenol and acetone.
Q.3 Is acetone used to remove nail polish?
As a powerful solvent, acetone is used to remove nail polish. Acetone is also useful for oil removal and nail polish preparation.
Q.4 Is acetone toxic?
Short-term exposure to moderate to high concentrations of acetone can irritate the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.
In addition, it can cause headaches, vertigo, disorientation, a faster pulse, nausea, vomiting, blood effects, fainting and potential coma, and a shorter menstrual cycle in women.
Q.5 What is pure acetone?
A pure chemical compound is a substance in chemistry that consists of a single component and a specific set of molecules or ions. Pure acetone consists solely of acetone molecules or ions.
Q.6 How is acetone harmful to humans?
Inhaling or ingesting large quantities of acetone in a short period of time can result in headaches, disorientation, nausea, a rapid heart rate, alterations in the size and number of blood cells, loss of consciousness (passing out), or coma.
Inhaling moderate to high concentrations of acetone can also irritate the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.
