acetone
A colorless, volatile, flammable ketone (CH
3 COCH 3 ), having a
pleasing odor, that occurs in pyroligneous acid
and can be prepared by dehydrogenation of
isopropyl alcohol, by bacterial fermentation of
corn mash, and by other means. It is miscible with
water, alcohol and ether. Acetone is effective as
a solvent in removing pressure sensitive tape from
paper because it dissolves not only the adhesive
but (in some cases) the tape itself. Its use is
limited, however, because of its tendency to
dissolve ink, and its highly flammable nature. In
leather manufacture, it is used as a solvent for
finishes. It is also used to prepare other
solvents, such as methyl isobutyl ketone and
mesityl alcohol, and as a solvent for paints,
varnishes, lacquers, and cellulose acetate.
Acetone decomposes photochemically to produce
ethane, carbon monoxide and small amounts of
diacetyl and methane. (173 , 306 )
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