Acetone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acetone |
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| IUPAC name | Propanone |
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Propan-2-one
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| Other names | Dimethyl ketone β-Ketopropane |
| Identifiers | |
| Abbreviations | DMK |
| CAS number | |
| PubChem | |
| EC number | 200-662-2 |
| KEGG | D02311 |
| MeSH | |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:15347 |
| RTECS number | AL3150000 |
| SMILES | CC(C)=O |
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InChI
InChI=1/C3H6O/c1-3(2)4/h1-2H3
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| Beilstein Reference | 635680 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1466 |
| 3DMet | B00058 |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Pungent, irritating, floral |
| Density | 0.791 g cm−3 |
| log P | -0.042 |
| Vapor pressure | 24.46–24.60 kPa (at 20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 24.2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | -10.2 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.35900 |
| Viscosity | 0.3075 cP |
| Structure | |
| Coordination geometry |
Trigonal planar at C2 |
| Molecular shape | Dihedral at C2 |
| Dipole moment | 2.91 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of formation ΔfH |
-250.03-(−248.77) kJ mol−1 |
| Std enthalpy of combustion ΔcH |
-1.772 MJ mol−1 |
| Standard molar entropy S |
200.4 J K−1 mol−1 |
| Specific heat capacity, C | 125.45 J K−1 mol−1 |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification |  F  Xi |
| EU Index | 606-001-00-8 |
| NFPA 704 |
3
1
0
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| Flash point | −17 °C |
| Autoignition temperature |
465 °C |
| Explosive limits | 13.2–57.0% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | Butanone |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Acetone is a common chemical compound that you might have in your home right now! It's a clear, easy-to-burn liquid with a strong smell. Its chemical formula is (CH3)2CO. Acetone is the simplest type of a group of chemicals called ketones. It can easily mix with water and is known as a great solvent. This means it can dissolve many other substances.
Contents
What is Acetone?
Acetone is also known by other names like Propanone or Dimethyl ketone. It's a very important chemical used in many different ways. In science, it's a basic building block for making other organic chemicals.
What Does Acetone Look Like and Smell Like?
Acetone is a colorless liquid. It has a strong, unique smell that some people describe as pungent or even a bit floral. It evaporates quickly, which is why it's good for cleaning and drying things fast.
Where Do We Find Acetone?
You might know acetone best as the main ingredient in nail polish remover. It's very good at dissolving nail polish quickly. But it has many other uses too:
- Cleaning: It's used to clean tools and surfaces, especially in laboratories.
- Paint thinner: Acetone can thin paints, varnishes, and resins.
- Industrial uses: It's used to make plastics, fibers, and other chemicals.
- Medical uses: Sometimes used as a solvent for medicines.
- In your body: Your body actually produces small amounts of acetone when it breaks down fat, especially if you're on a very low-carb diet or have certain health conditions.
Is Acetone Safe?
Like many chemicals, acetone needs to be handled carefully.
- Flammable: It catches fire very easily, even at cold temperatures. So, it should always be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
- Irritant: If it gets into your eyes, it can cause irritation. It can also irritate your skin if you're exposed to it for a long time.
- Vapors: Breathing in too much acetone vapor can make you feel dizzy or drowsy. It's best to use it in a well-ventilated area.
Always read the safety labels on products containing acetone and follow the instructions.
Images for kids
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HPLC readout of an Excedrin tablet. Peaks from left to right are acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.
See also
In Spanish: Acetona para niños
