Acetone (Propanone)

Acetone is the simplest and smallest ketone. It is a colorless, highly volatile and flammable liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. It is a very important solvent, capable of dissolving many plastics and synthetic fibers.

Description of what it is like

A thin, clear liquid that evaporates very quickly at room temperature. It has a sharp, somewhat fruity or “sweet” smell. It feels cold on the skin due to rapid evaporation.

Origin and where to find it

• Natural: Produced in small amounts in the human body through fat metabolism. Found in some plants.
• Synthetic: Produced industrially from propylene or through fermentation.

Minimum processing required

Dry Distillation of Acetates:

1. Preparation: React Vinegar (acetic acid) with Lime (calcium oxide) or crushed eggshells (calcium carbonate) to produce calcium acetate.
2. Drying: Evaporate the water to obtain dry calcium acetate powder.
3. Distillation: Heat the dry calcium acetate in a retort without air. The heat decomposes it into calcium carbonate and acetone vapor.
4. Condensation: Cool the vapor to collect liquid acetone.

Tools needed to work on it

• Retort or Distillation Flask: For heating the acetate.
• Condenser: To turn the vapor back into liquid.
• Heat Source: A steady fire or furnace.
• Storage Containers: Metal or glass (acetone dissolves many types of plastic).

Common forms of use

• Nail Polish Remover: One of its most common domestic uses.
• Paint Thinner: Dissolves many types of paints and varnishes.
• Degreaser: Used to clean metal parts before welding or painting.

Possible substitutes

• Alcohol (Ethanol/Isopropanol): A weaker solvent, but safer for some applications.
• Turpentine: For thinning oil-based paints.
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK): A similar but less volatile solvent.

Limitations and common failures

• Evaporation: If not tightly sealed, it will disappear quickly.
• Plastic Damage: It will melt or “eat” many common plastics (like polystyrene).
• Flammability: Vapors are heavier than air and can travel to an ignition source.

Risks and safety

• Fire Hazard: Extremely flammable. Keep away from open flames and sparks.
• Inhalation: Vapors can cause dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness in high concentrations.
• Skin Dryness: Removes natural oils from the skin, leading to irritation.

Related materials

• Vinegar: Source of acetic acid.
• Lime: Used to make calcium acetate.
• Bleach: Reacts with acetone to make Chloroform.