A

Acetone

IUPAC: propan-2-one

C3H6O Organic Compounds CAS 67-64-1
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC3H6O
CAS Number67-64-1
Molecular Weight58.08
Melting Point-137 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point133 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.791 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceAcetone appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sweetish odor. Flash point 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used as a solvent in paint and nail polish removers.
Also Known Aspropan-2-one; 2-propanone; propanone; 67-64-1; Dimethyl ketone; Pyroacetic ether; Methyl ketone; Dimethylformaldehyde; beta-Ketopropane; Dimethylketal
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Acetone?

Acetone is a methyl ketone that consists of propane bearing an oxo group at C2. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent, a human metabolite and an EC 3.5.1.4 (amidase) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, a member of propanones, a methyl ketone and a ketone body.

Formula & Notation

C3H6O

IUPAC Name: propan-2-one

Other Names / Synonyms: propan-2-one; 2-propanone; propanone; 67-64-1; Dimethyl ketone; Pyroacetic ether; Methyl ketone; Dimethylformaldehyde; beta-Ketopropane; Dimethylketal

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Acetone appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sweetish odor. Flash point 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used as a solvent in paint and nail polish removers.. Molecular formula: C3H6O. Molecular weight: 58.08 g/mol. Boiling point: 133 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -137 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.791 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 180 mmHg at 68 °F ; 270 mmHg at 86 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-137 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point133 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.791 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight58.08
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceAcetone appears as a clear colorless liquid with a sweetish odor. Flash point 0 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used as a solvent in paint and nail polish removers.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Acetone
Formula C3H6O
CAS Number 67-64-1
Molecular Weight 58.08
Synonyms propan-2-one; 2-propanone; propanone; 67-64-1; Dimethyl ketone; Pyroacetic ether; Methyl ketone; Dimethylformaldehyde; beta-Ketopropane; Dimethylketal

Frequently Asked Questions

Acetone is a methyl ketone that consists of propane bearing an oxo group at C2. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent, a human metabolite and an EC 3.5.1.4 (amidase) inhibitor. It is a volatile organic compound, a member of propanones, a methyl ketone and a ketone body.

More "A" Terms

View all "A" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.