Acetone (CH3)2CO
Aka CAS No. 67-64-1, Propanone, Propan-2-one, Dimethylformaldehyde, Dimethyl ketone, â-Ketopropane, 2-Propanone
Acetone is a flammable organic compound. This important solvent, also known as CAS No. 67-64-1, is most often used in the production of household cleaning products. Acetone is also used in the production of nail polish remover and paint thinner.
In 2010, American manufacturers produced ~ 1.6 million tons of Acetone. In recent years, older production methods that included the dry distillation of acetates have been replaced with newer production techniques that now produce acetone from propylene.
Acetone has many uses. Acetone is used in a broad variety of laboratory, general medical and cosmetic applications. It's frequently used as a component in food additives and food packaging. Acetone is commonly used in spas and some medical offices for the exfoliation and rejuvenation of skin during chemical peels. Some make-up artists use acetone to remove skin adhesives from the netting of wigs and mustaches by immersing the item in an acetone bath. It's also a component used in the production of Superglue remover. Some people even use acetone to remove residue from glass and porcelain.
Acetone is believed to exhibit only slight toxicity in normal use and there is no evidence of chronic health effects if basic precautions are followed. However, acetone is extremely flammable so caution is advised when using acetone. Acetone auto-ignites at a temperature of 465°C (869°F). At temperatures greater than acetone's flash point flash of -20°C (-4°F), air mixtures of between 2.5% and 12.8% acetone, by volume, may explode or cause a flash fire. Vapors can flow along surfaces to distant ignition sources and flash back. Static discharge may also ignite acetone vapors.
As a very effective de-greaser, acetone is useful in the preparation of metal prior to painting; it also thins polyester, resins and adhesives.
Acetone is a colorless liquid with a distinct smell and taste. It evaporates easily and dissolves in water. It is also called dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, and beta-ketopropane. Acetone occurs naturally in plants, trees, volcanic gases, forest fires, and as a product of the breakdown of body fat. It is present in vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites. Industrial processes contribute more acetone to the environment than natural processes.
Approximately 97% of the acetone released during its manufacture or use goes into the air. In air, about one-half of the total amount breaks down from sunlight or other chemicals every 22 days. It moves from the atmosphere into the water and soil by rain and snow. It also moves quickly from soil and water back to air. Acetone doesn't bind to soil or build up in animals. It can move into groundwater from spills or landfills.
Exposure to acetone results mostly from breathing air, drinking water or coming in contact with products or soil that contains acetone. Exposure to moderate-to-high amounts of acetone can irritate your eyes and respiratory system, and make you dizzy. Very high exposure may cause you to lose consciousness. You can be exposed to acetone by breathing high levels of acetone in the workplace or from using products that contain acetone. You can also be exposed to acetone by smoking, drinking water, eating foods or touching products that contain acetone.
If you are exposed to acetone, it goes into your blood which then carries it to all the organs in your body. If it is a small amount, the liver breaks it down to chemicals that are not harmful and uses these chemicals to make energy for normal body functions. Breathing moderate-to-high levels of acetone for short periods of time, however, can cause nose, throat, lung, and eye irritation; headaches; light-headedness; confusion; increased pulse rate; effects on blood; nausea; vomiting; unconsciousness and possibly coma; and shortening of the menstrual cycle in women.
Swallowing very high levels of acetone can result in unconsciousness and damage to the skin in your mouth. Skin contact can result in irritation and damage to your skin. The smell and respiratory irritation or burning eyes that occur from moderate exposure levels are excellent warning signs that can help you avoid breathing damaging levels of acetone.
