Acetone - C3H6O

What is Acetone?

Acetone is a highly flammable organic compound. This organic solvent has a chemical formula C3H6O. It is also known as propanone. It is found in the exhaust from vehicles, plants, trees and forest fires. It is also found in the human body usually present in urine and blood. It is colorless and volatile.

It is miscible in water, ether, ethanol and has a pungent, floral or irritating smell. It is widely used as an antiseptic and solvent. Alchemists were the first to produce acetone. It is produced with the dry distillation of metal acetates. Currently, acetone is produced by propylene either by the direct or indirect method. Almost 83% of acetone is produced during the cumene process. Also, there are other older methods to produce acetone.

Properties of Acetone – C3H6O

C3H6O Acetone
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 58.08  g/mol
Density 784 g/cm³
Boiling Point 56 °C
Melting Point −94.7 °C

Acetone structure – C3H6O

C3H6O Uses (Acetone)

  • It is used as a solvent for synthetic fibers and plastics

  • It is used as a precursor for methyl methacrylate

  • It is used to prepare metal before painting

  • It is used in pharmaceutical industries in some drugs

  • It is volatile and hence used in the laboratory to rinse lab glassware

  • It is used as a drying agent

  • It is used in the defatting process

  • It is used in cosmetics such as nail polish remover

  • It is used in the treatment of acne