Acetone (CAS 67-64-1): Uses, Safety, and Chemical Properties Explained

Acetone, whose chemical name corresponds to CAS 67-64-1, is one of the most familiar organic compounds in diverse industries, especially in acetone manufacturing, due to its solvent properties. From acetone’s participation in production processes to its usage in acetone containing products found in homes, it is clear that acetone plays a role in industrial functions as well as everyday human activities. Nevertheless, chemical properties and practical applications need to be understood in the context of safety measures if optimum benefits are to be enjoyed. This article explores the highlights of acetone and underscores its relevance alongside major precautions to be taken while manipulating the compound. This guide will serve those working in the chemical industry and those simply curious about the magic of acetone and offer them insights on its importance in today’s world.

Describe Acetone and Its Properties

Looking Into Acetone’s Structural Characteristics

An example of a simple organic compound is acetone or propanone with the molecular formula C₃H₆O. Owing to the presence of a carbonyl group which is a carbon atom double-boded to oxygen, it falls under the category of ketones. Its structure consists of 3 carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, in a straight-chain fashion which makes it highly reactive and versatile. It is colourless, highly volatile, and completely miscible with water, making acetone an effective solvent for a wide range of substances.

The Colorless Liquid Known as Acetone

Acetone is a colorless liquid best known as an industrial and domestic solvent. It acts as a washer for many compounds such as oils, resins, and plastics which makes it a necessity in the manufacturing, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, acetone’s rapid evaporation rate and minimal residue improves its utilization value for cleaners and preparatory solvents. It’s quite useful, but care should be taken when handling, as it is easily flammable and can be dangerous to one’s health.

Acetone’s Classification as a Volatile Organic Compound

Acetone is classified as volatile organic compound (VOC) because it has high vapor pressure and can easily evaporate at room temperature. Like acetone, VOCs contribute to the problem of air pollution as they easily escape into the atmosphere and chemically react to potentially create ground-level ozone. Acetone also has a low boiling point, which increases its volatility, enabling it to change from liquid to vapor under standard environmental conditions. As a result, acetone is highly reactive, a characteristic that requires strict regulations to limit its environmental impact.

How Flammable is Acetone?

The Flash Point of Acetone

Acetone has a flashpoint of –4°F (–20 °C), meaning it is extremely flammable. A flashpoint this low means that acetone is capable of generating sufficient vapor to ignite easily even at moderately low temperatures. Because of this property, acetone requires careful handling and must be stored in proper containers, away from heat and open flames, in order to prevent potential fire risks.

What to Avoid When Dealing with Flammable Liquids.

These are some of the most recommended steps to stay safe when dealing with flammable liquids like acetone:

1. Proper Storage: Segregate designated flammable liquids in appropriate sealed containers certified for flammable liquids. In addition keep these cabinets in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight.
2. Incombustible Environments: Store or use flammable liquids in places or environments devoid of open flames, sparks, static electricity, or any hot equipment.
3. Proper Ventilation: These substances must be handled in places with proper airflow circulation to avoid flammable vapors from building up.
4. Don Protective Equipment: Guidelines suggest wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety goggles to limit direct contact.
5. Use Proper Labels: Dosage instructions as well as Correct Handling and Storage must be stated on the containers along with SADs.
6. Dispose of Waste Properly: Apply flammable liquid residue disposal methods specific to hazardous waste to properly dispose of the waste.

Why Is Acetone Used in Solvents?

The Function Of Acetone In Nail Polish Removers

Acetone is one of the most effective solvents for removing nail polish and thus is commonly used in nail polish removers. It is a powerful solvent because it can also dissolve the constituents of nail polish like as resins, polymers, and pigments, so it can be removed quickly by wiping. Moreover, because of its fast evaporation rate and low residue, minimal cleaning is required. Acetone is also inexpensive, easy to find, and works well with most nail polish products, making it a priority resource in the beauty industry.

The Power of Dissolving Variuos Substances

Acetone can dissolve a great number of compounds including oils, greases, waxes, and even some plastics, making it a powerful solvent. This attribute stems from the chemical structure of acetone, which permits it to bond with and degrade both polar and nonpolar compounds. These characteristics make acetone an active solvent in manufacturing, cleaning, and cosmetics industries.

Acetone in the Context of Plastics and Resins Manufacturing

Its value as a solvent and an intermediate highlights acetone’s importance in the manufacturing and processing of plastics and resins. In the production of polycarbonates and epoxy resins, acetone serves as a key ingredient. For example, bisphenol A (BPA), which is produced globally in volumes exceeding 8 million metric tons each year, is a plastic starter compound bisphenol (BPA) that is produced through acetone. This reveals the vital role acetone plays in the large-scale production of plastic components which find application in the construction, electronics, automotive, and other industries.

Also, acetone can clean industrial molds and equipment used in the manufacture of plastics and other resins. Acetone has the ability to dissolve resins, adhesives, and other residues within a short period which is an advantage during cleaning without damaging the tools of manufacture, especially if acetone is a by-product. In addition, acetone is non-toxic in low concentrations and evaporates rapidly which is useful for industrial cleaning applications. Because acetone is generated during the cleaning process, it serves many purposes in the manufacture of plastics and resins. Acetone has many uses in the manufacture of plastics and resins which enhances the processes and performance of modern industries materials.

The Effects of Acetone on Health

Possible Irritation Issues of Acetone

Acetone may cause ocular, dermal, and respiratory irritation when inhaled or exposed to, and these effects are worsened at higher concentrations. Eyeball exposure may throb, whereas prolonged contact with skin may include yielding to dry skin and fissures. Respiratory irritation is typically the result of inhaling the fumes of acetone which is known to evoke coughing and soreness of the throat. To avoid these issues, it is advisable to observe industry standards and don gloves and safety goggles, and respirators, in addition to ensuring adequate ventilation in industrial or laboratory setups when working with acetone.

Safety Procedures for the Control of Acetone Exposure

In order to minimize exposure to acetone, ensure good ventilation by working in well-ventilated rooms or using fume hoods in laboratory settings. Gloves, safety goggles, coveralls, and in some cases respirators, must be worn to protect against acetone and its vapors. Since a wide range of products contain acetone, skin contact should be avoided by wearing protective clothing and all spills should be cleaned using soap and water. The storage of acetone in cool, dry locations, away from ignition sources and in tight containers, will prevent the release of vapors and fire hazards. Following these procedures will greatly reduce the health risks associated with exposure.

How Acetone Affects Human Health

The concentration, duration, and route of exposure impacts exposed individuals in different ways. Inhaling acetone vapor in the short term can lead to headaches, giddiness, along with an irritation of the eye, throat, and nose. More concentrated exposure can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, or even loss of consciousness due to the depression of the central nervous system. Contact with skin for prolonged periods can also be harmful due to brittleness and irritation, or even dermatitis which is a result of acetone degreasing the skin by removing its natural oils.

Studies show that acetone is metabolically active in the human body and is mostly expelled via the lungs making breathing the primary means of acetone excretion with little tissue deposition. Chronic exposure in less ventilated spaces over a prolonged period leads to the development of reserve respiratory irritation and exacerbate existing conditions such asthma. It is critical to note that these toxicological data sets do indicate occupational exposure limits, for instance The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 1,000 parts per million (ppm) which serves to protect against negative impacts during typical usage.

There is little research done on the exposure of humans to super high concentrations of acetone, but as it stands, very high concentrations of acetone can have damaging effects on kidneys and liver. Stricter adherence to occupational safety guidelines is essential in reducing health dangers, enabling significant damage control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is acetone (CAS 67-64-1) and what are its common names?

A: Acetone (CAS 67-64-1), or propan-2-one as it is alternatively called, is an organic compound that exists in colorless volatile liquid and has a chemical formula of (CH₃)₂CO. From many industries, Acetone is known to be used as a solvent and is also referred to as dimethyl ketone and 2-propanone.

Q: What are the main uses of acetone?

A: We already discussed about the various industries that use Acetone. But its other primary application are found as an organic solvent acetone is extensively utilized in manufacturing drugs, fibers, plastic, paints, varnishes and even remover for lacquer. Furthermore, acetone is applied for manufacturing other complicated structures such as acetone cyanohydrin which is a noteworthy building block for processes involved in methyl methacrylate.

Q: What are the chemical properties of acetone?

A: Acetone, being a type of liquid, has a boiling point set at 56.5 °C and it’s melting point of -95 °C. While existing in the liquid form, Acetone also has a molecular weight that is known to be 58.08 g/mol, and at the temperature of 20 degrees celcius its density would equal 0.79 g/cm³. Acetone exists in a flammable state and a has sweet smell and is coupled with water.Q: What is the method of acetone production in industries?

Q: Can acetone be found in nature?

A: Certainly, acetone can be found in the environment. It is available in minute quantities in both trees and plants, and the human body generates it by metabolizing fats, showing that acetone is naturally produced. It is also found in volcanic gases and emitted during forest fires. Furthermore, it can arise from the photolytic breakdown of some compounds in the atmosphere.

Q: What safety requirements should be observed when dealing with acetone?

A: Due to the high volatility of acetone, proper safety measures when handling it are imperative. As a flammable substance, acetone must also be stored away from open flames and heat sources. Good ventilation is important not only for acetone use, but also for avoidance of vapor pockets. Other safety measures that can be taken include the use of gloves, goggles, face shields, and respirators which might be indicated. Always check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and other pertinent documents along with OSHA regulations regarding the use of acetone.

Q: How does the body metabolize acetone and what health risks does exposure pose?

A: Metabolism of small doses of acetone by the body is possible, but some health risks arise from chronic exposure to it. Breathing in these vapors can lead to nose, throat, and lung inflammation. Direct exposure on the skin can also cause irritation, increased or abnormal dryness. Voluminous intake might cause nausea (and vomiting in severe cases) or even induce coma. Chronic exposure can cause the liver and kidneys to sustain damage. Because many industrial chemicals contain acetone, it is vital to greatly reduce exposure while taking proper protective equipment.

Q: Is it right to state that acetone can be used for cleaning?

A: Indeed, because of its potent solvent characteristics, acetone is frequently employed as a cleaning agent. It is quite effective in eliminating paint, varnish, and adhesive residues. In addition, acetone finds application in the cleaning of laboratory glassware and equipment across multiple industry sectors. However, care should be taken as acetone can also dissolve some plastics and synthetic fabrics. When using acetone for cleaning, make sure to test a small, inconspicuous region first and ensure proper ventilation.

Reference Sources

1. The Effect of Pressure on the Melting Point of Acetone

• Authors: P. W. Richter, C. Pistorius
• Publication Date: June 1, 1973 (not within the last 5 years but relevant)
• Summary: This study analyzes the influence of pressure on the melting point of acetone. The authors performed differential thermal analysis using a piston-cylinder apparatus to observe the melting characteristics of acetone at different pressure levels.
• Key Findings: The study noted that the melting point of acetone increases with pressure, which confirms the pattern noted in other substances. For accurate temperature measurement, the apparatus consisted of stainless-steel capsules which were fitted with thermocouples.

2. Sublimation and Diffusion Kinetics of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Single Crystals by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

• Authors: W. M. Hikal et al.
• Publication Date: August 26, 2022
• Summary: This article analyzes the sublimation rates and diffusion kinetics of TNT crystals prepared with acetone solvent. The particular study investigates the physical properties of TNT, especially its melting point.
• Key Findings: The melting point of TNT was defined as pertinent when examining its sublimation. The work explains the impact of choosing solvents, for instance, acetone and others, during crystallization.

3. Characterization and thermal isomerization of (all-E)-lycopene

• Authors: Munenori Takehara et al.
• Publication Date: January 8, 2014 (not within the last 5 years but relevant)
• Summary: The study aims at the purification of (all-E)-lycopene from tomato paste using acetone in the purification procedure. Characterization also included measuring the melting point of (all-E)-lycopene.
• Key Findings: Recognizing the stability and behavior of (all-E)-lycopene is important when it comes to various technological applications, having already established its melting point at 176.35 °C.

4. Solubility of Flavonoids in Organic Solvents

• Authors: L. Chebil et al.
• Publication Date: July 11, 2007 (not within the last 5 years but relevant)
• Summary: This research calculated the solubility of some flavonoids in several organic solvents, one of which was acetone. The melting points for the individual flavonoids were estimated as well.
• Key Findings: The study observed that the melting points of flavonoids were glycosylated in the form of aglycones, and one of the solvents for the solubility testing was acetone.

5. Isolation and Identification of Secondary Metabolic Compounds Acetone Extract from Dutch Eggplant (Cyphomandra betacea)

• Authors: M. Mawardi
• Publication Date: September 26, 2022
• Summary: This research study focused on the extraction of secondary metabolites from Dutch eggplants using acetone. The determination of the melting point of the isolated compounds was performed as one of the characterization steps.
• Key Findings: The research noted a melting point of 130-131 °C for the compound in question which points to the likelihood of it being an alkaloid. The study underscores the role of acetone in the extraction procedure.

6. Acetone

7. Solvent