Acetone: what is it?

Acetone is a liquid transparenthighly flammable and volatile, used as solvent and synthetic intermediate. Formula C₃H₆O, it gives off a characteristic smell, both acrid and aromatic. Its carbon-oxygen double bond and the presence ofatoms ofhydrogen in the alpha (α) position give it a high reactivity to many products. Stable under usual conditions, acetone can thus react strongly with oxidizing agents powerful asacid chromic acid, hot nitric acid, Potassium permanganatehydrogen peroxide, certain hydrocarbons halogenated (trichloromethane, tribromomethane, etc.) or in the presence of a strong base (for example sodium hydroxide or potassium). Non-corrosive to metalsit attacks certain materials plastics.

Acetone can cause severe irritation of the eyesnausea, dizziness or drowsiness during the’inhalation high concentrations of vapors (greater than 10,000 ppm).

Acetone: physical properties

• Density: 0.788 g/ml at 20°C.
• Mass molar : 58.08 g/mol.
• Melting point: -94.7°C.
• Boiling point: 56.29°C.
• Point offlash : -9.4°C.
• Auto-ignition temperature: 465°C.
• Evaporation rate (ether=1): 1.9.
• Lower explosion limit: 2.5% at 25°C.
• Solubility: miscible with water, ethanol, diethyl ether, esters, benzenedimethylformamide, chloroformmost oils.

Uses of Acetone

Acetone is one of the most used organic solvents, which dissolves gums, resins, derivatives of cellulosefats, oils and rubbers. It is used in many formulations:

• painting, varnishlacquer;
• paint stripper and thinner;
• glue and adhesives;
• ink, dyes and their thinners;
• transport and storage of acetylene in compressed gas cylinders.

In the chemical industry, acetone is used in many processes:

• manufacture of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products (e.g.: vitamin Cmethamphetamine);
• extraction of fats, oils and waxes;
• purification of sugars and starches (precipitating agent);
• paraffin purification;
• cleaning and drying of laboratory glassware;
• cleaning and drying of electronic parts;
• cooling medium in mixture of dry ice ;
• manufacture of Plexiglas (polymethyl methacrylate);
• manufacture of bisphenol A ;
• manufacture of explosive powders;
• manufacture and spinning of cellulose acetate fibers (eg paper glue, photographic film bases, synthetic fibers, rayon, artificial silk, viscose);
• manufacture of objects in resin reinforced with fiberglass.

Acetone and the environment

Various activities can release acetone into theatmosphere :

• exhaust gas ;
• burning of drink and of waste ;
• degradation of waste in landfills;
• paper industry;
• cigarette smoke.

Acetone can also emanate from particle board, carpets or certain coatings. It also comes from natural sources during forest fires or volcanic eruptions.

Acetone in biology

Acetone is naturally produced and excreted in the body during metabolic processes, especially when food is insufficient (fasting, ketogenic diet) or in the diabetic pathologies (hypoglycemia). The body then degrades Fatty acids in the form of ketone bodies. Excess acetone is manifested by a characteristic odor on the breath and a high concentration in the urine. If too much acetone builds up, it leads to ketoacidosis, a toxic acidification of the blood that can lead to coma.