Acetone

A chemical compound with the formula (CH3)2CO. It is a colourless, flammable, and highly volatile solvent and reagent with many uses around the house and in organic chemistry.

Uses

Acetone's unique chemical properties enable it to rapidly dissolve plastics, resins, adhesives, and paints, making it one of the most versatile solvents in domestic, industrial, and laboratory environments. Key applications include:

• Cosmetics: Widely used as the active ingredient in nail polish removers.
• Home & DIY: Commonly found in paint thinners, adhesive removers, and products used to dissolve superglue residues.
• Industrial & Manufacturing: Used in the production of plastics such as methyl methacrylate and as a solvent for the safe storage and transport of highly flammable acetylene gas.
• Laboratory & Electronics: Frequently used for cleaning and drying laboratory glassware, as well as for removing contaminants from electronic and electrical components due to its rapid evaporation rate.

Safety

Acetone is highly flammable and should always be handled with care.

• Use only in a well-ventilated area to prevent the build-up of vapours.
• Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources. Do not smoke while using acetone.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a laboratory coat where appropriate.
• Avoid inhalation of vapours, as exposure may cause irritation, dizziness, headaches, or drowsiness.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Prolonged or repeated skin exposure can cause dryness, irritation, and dermatitis.
• Store in a tightly sealed, clearly labelled container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidising agents.
• Do not use near sensitive electronic equipment unless adequate ventilation and ignition controls are in place.
• Clean up spills immediately using appropriate spill-control measures and dispose of waste acetone according to local regulations.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling, even when gloves have been worn.
• In the event of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Warning: Acetone vapours can travel and ignite at a distance from the source. Always ensure adequate ventilation and eliminate potential ignition sources before use.

First Aid Procedures for Acetone Exposure

Eye Contact

• Immediately flush the eyes with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open and moving the eyes in all directions.
• Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
• Seek medical attention if irritation persists or if there is any concern about eye damage.

Skin Contact

• Remove contaminated clothing and footwear immediately.
• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
• If irritation develops or persists, seek medical advice.
• Launder contaminated clothing before reuse.

Inhalation

• Move the affected person to fresh air immediately.
• Keep them at rest and comfortable for breathing.
• If symptoms such as dizziness, headache, drowsiness, or respiratory irritation occur, seek medical attention.
• If breathing has stopped, commence appropriate emergency resuscitation procedures and call emergency services.

Ingestion

• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional.
• Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
• Seek immediate medical advice or contact a Poisons Information Centre.

Information for Medical Personnel

• Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive.
• Monitor for central nervous system effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and headache following significant exposure.

Emergency Response: If a person becomes unconscious, has difficulty breathing, or experiences severe symptoms following acetone exposure, call emergency services immediately.

Production

There are some ways to produce Acetone:

One simple (and inefficient) way is by using calcium carbonate and acetic acid. First react the acetic acid with the calcium carbonate, to produce calcium acetate and CO2 as a byproduct. then, heat the calcium acetate to around 500 to 600 degrees celsius to form acetone and bring back de calcium carbonate, the gas of acetone proceeds to condensate into a beaker. With that, you obtained a very impure acetone wich will later on needs some purification processes.

Another historical process is using Calcium Acetate. Calcium Acetate is produced from a calcium carbonate source like antacid tablets or chalk and vinegar. Calcium acetate is then heated and distilled producing acetone.

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