Acetone

Products

Pure acetone is available in pharmacies and drugstores.

Structure and properties

Acetone (C

3

H

6

O, M

r

= 58.08 g/mol) exists as a clear, colorless, volatile and highly flammable liquid with a typical aromatic odor, miscible with water and ethanol 96%. The boiling point is 56°C. With a density of 0.78 g/cm

3

acetone is lighter than water. It is a natural substance that occurs in the environment and also in the human body. Acetone is the simplest molecule from the group of ketones. The name is derived from vinegar (lat. ).

Fields of application (selection)

  • As a nail polish remover
  • As a solvent and cleaning agent
  • For chemical syntheses, for example for the production of bisphenol A.
  • As a pharmaceutical excipient

Abuse

Acetone can be abused as a sniffing agent. Due to the adverse effects, this is not recommended. Inhalation may irritate the respiratory tract and eyes, cause headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, rapid heartbeat, unconsciousness, and coma. Acetone should not be ingested. Acetone can be used with hydrogen peroxide to produce the unstable and explosive acetone peroxide (APEX), which has been misused in several terrorist attacks in the past. Acetone is one of the precursors for explosives.

Adverse effects

Acetone is highly flammable and must be kept away from heat, flames, hot surfaces and other sources of ignition. Do not smoke. Vapors are also flammable and explosive with air. Acetone must not be allowed to enter the eyes as this may cause eye irritation. Repeated contact may cause brittle and cracked skin. Acetone can also be absorbed through the skin. Inhalation of the vapors may make you drowsy and dizzy (see above). For complete precautions, see the Material Safety Data Sheet.