Substance profile
Acetone
Acetone is a colorless volatile liquid with a fruity odor.
01 · Identification
What Acetone is
Acetone is a colorless volatile liquid with a fruity odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O and its molecular weight is 58.08 g/mol. It boils at 56.1 °C, melts at -94.9 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Acetone
- propanone
- dimethyl ketone
- 2-propanone
- Beta-Ketopropane
- Dimethylformaldehyde
- Dimethylketal
- Ketone Propane
- Ketone, Dimethyl
- Methyl Ketone
- Pyroacetic Acid
- Pyroacetic Ether
- Chevron Acetone
- propan-2-one
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH066
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Acetone properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 56.08 °C (132.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 56.11 °C (133 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 56.11 °C (133 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -94.9 °C (-138.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -95.56 °C (-140 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -93.89 °C (-137 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.79 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.7845 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.791 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with water | HSDB | |
| Miscible with benzene | HSDB | ||
| Miscible with alcohol, dimethylformamide, ether | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 180 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 180 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 231 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -16.99 °C (1.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -20 °C (-4 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB | |
| -17.78 °C (0 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 465 °C (869 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.6 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 12.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Water: 20 mg/L (or 20 ppm, w/v); air: 13 uL/L (or 13 ppm, v/v). | HSDB | |
| Odor low: 47.5 mg/cu m; Odor high: 1613.9 mg/cu m | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 3.6 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 234.95 °C (454.9 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Acetone
Storage conditions
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Bases, Oxidizing agents, Reducing agents, Acetone reacts violently with phosphorous oxychloride.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
It was reported that a mixture of ACETONE and chloroform, in a residue bottle, exploded. Since addition of acetone to chloroform in the presence of base will result in a highly exothermic reaction, it is thought that a base was in the bottle [MCA Case History 1661. 1970]. Also, Nitrosyl chloride, sealed in a tube with a residue of acetone in the presence of platinum catalyst, gave an explosive reaction [Chem. Eng. News 35(43):60. 1967]. The reaction of nitrosyl perchlorate and acetone ignites and explodes. Explosions occur with mixtures of nitrosyl perchlorate and primary amine [Ann. Chem. 42:2031. 1909]. Reacts violently with nitric acid. Also causes exothermic reaction when in contact with aldehydes.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Acetone in the storage compatibility matrix →
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