Product Name
Quality Aerosols Acetone QUA01390 - 55 Gal
Brief Description
Acetone, also known as propanone or dimethyl ketone, is a colorless, volatile, and highly flammable liquid. It is a powerful organic solvent widely used across various industries for its ability to dissolve numerous substances, as a cleaning agent, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Thinning polyester resin, paints, varnishes, and lacquers.- Cleaning tools, equipment, and various surfaces.- Heavy-duty degreasing, especially for metal preparation prior to painting or soldering.- Dissolving two-part epoxies and superglue before they harden.- Removing rosin flux after soldering.- Used in the production of plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers.- A key component in the formulation of adhesives and sealants.- Serves as a denaturant in denatured alcohol.- Utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other compounds.- Effective for cleaning raw textiles such as cotton or silk.- Can be used as an additive in gasoline to improve fuel efficiency and prevent engine knock.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Chemical Industry- General Manufacturing- Automotive Service/Repair- Cabinet & Woodworking- Construction/ Building Services- Distributers & Resellers- Fabrication (Metal, Plastic)- Flooring Installer or Manufacturer- Furniture- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- Possesses high solvency power, effectively dissolving a wide range of organic compounds including fats, oils, waxes, resins, rubber, plastics, lacquers, and varnishes.- Characterized by a fast evaporation rate, which helps in leaving surfaces clean and residue-free.- Completely miscible with water, alcohols, and most other organic solvents, enhancing its versatility.- Holds VOC-exempt status in the United States.- A colorless liquid with a distinct, sweetish, and sometimes mint-like odor.
Key Properties
- Chemical Formula: CâHâO (CHâCOCHâ)- IUPAC Name: Propan-2-one- Common Name: Dimethyl Ketone- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid- Odor: Distinct, sweetish, fragrant, mint-like- Boiling Point: 56°C (133°F)- Flash Point: -20°C (-4°F) (Highly flammable liquid and vapor)- Density: Approximately 0.79 g/cm³ at 20°C- Volatility: Highly volatile, evaporates easily.- Miscibility: Completely miscible with water, alcohol, and most organic solvents.
Surface Compatibility
- **Excellent/No Impact:** FEP, PFA, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, PEEK, Polypropylene.- **Good (minor effect):** Ulltem, Radell, Polyethylene.- **Fair (moderate effect, limited life with regular contact):** Acetal.- **Not Recommended (severe effect, softening, smearing, dissolving):** PVDF, Polycarbonate, Polysulfone, Cast Acrylic, PVC, CPVC.- Acetone is a good solvent for many plastics and some synthetic fibers. However, it can dissolve certain materials like plastic glasses frames, jewelry, pens, and rayon garments.- When handling, gloves made from butyl rubber, silicon, or natural latex are recommended, as nitrile gloves are incompatible and can degrade.
Known backups / known substitutes
- **Methyl Acetate:** Offers similar performance to acetone but is generally less irritating, performs better in moist environments, is more electrically resistant, and is considered better for the environment, capable of removing heavier contaminants.- **Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA):** Can be an alternative, though it may have trade-offs in evaporation rate, safety, or environmental impact.- **Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC):** Shows promise for use in cleaner formulations.- **Mineral Spirits:** Another potential substitute, but with possible trade-offs.- **Bio-based Solvents:** Products like VertecBio⢠ELSOL® AR and AcraStrip alternatives are often non-flammable, biodegradable, reusable, have lower toxicity, and reduced environmental impact. They are specifically formulated for various industrial cleaning applications, including the removal of paints, coatings, adhesives, oils, greases, and waxes.
Comparison Note
Acetone is highly valued for its exceptional effectiveness and rapid evaporation as an industrial solvent. However, its significant flammability and potential to cause serious eye irritation, skin dryness or cracking, and central nervous system effects like drowsiness or dizziness upon exposure are notable drawbacks. Many modern alternatives are being developed to address these concerns, offering improved health and safety profiles, reduced environmental impact, lower flammability, and often long-term cost efficiencies through reusability and reduced hazardous waste disposal. Some specialized alternatives can even surpass acetone's effectiveness for specific types of contaminants.
