acetone

The simplest ketone, having the chemical formula CH₃COCH₃. Acetone (also known as propanone, dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, propan-2-one, and beta-ketopropane) is a fragrant, colorless, flammable liquid with melting point of -95.4°C and a boiling point of 56.53°C. It has a relative density of 0.819 (at 0°C).

Acetone is readily soluble in water, ethanol, and diethyl ether, and itself serves as an important solvent. It is also used in chromatography and in the preparation of tissues for enzyme extraction. It is produced by the fermentation of starch or dehydrogenation of 2-propanol.

The most familiar domestic use of acetone is as the active ingredient in nail polish remover. Acetone is also used in the manufacture of plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals.

Acetone is produced in the body as a result of the oxidation of fats. In abnormal conditions (for example, starvation) and in diabetes, acetone and other ketones may accumulate in the blood (ketosis).

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• ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

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