Acetone (CAS 67-64-1) 99.9% Purity: Essential Solvent for Coatings, Resins, and Cleaning
September 30, 2026 · Product Guide
Basic information
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Product name | Acetone |
| Synonyms | 2-Propanone; dimethyl ketone; propan-2-one; β-ketopropane |
| CAS number | 67-64-1 |
| Molecular formula | C3H6O |
| Molecular weight | 58.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, volatile liquid |
| Assay / Purity | 99.90% (typical commercial grade) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, and most organic solvents |
| Boiling point | 56.05 °C at 101.3 kPa (typical) |
| Flash point | -20 °C (closed cup) |
| Packaging | 150 kg/drum |
| HS code | 2914.11.00 |
| Storage | Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources; keep container tightly closed |
| Main uses | Solvent for coatings, adhesives, inks; degreasing agent; chemical intermediate; pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations |
1. Overview
Acetone is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid and the simplest ketone. Its polar aprotic character and low boiling point enable rapid evaporation and strong solvency for a wide range of resins, cellulose esters, oils, and waxes. It is fully miscible with water and most organic solvents, making it a versatile carrier in formulations.
The product is supplied at 99.90% assay in 150 kg drums, meeting commercial grade specifications for industrial use. Its primary value lies in fast drying, degreasing, and as a chemical intermediate for methyl methacrylate, bisphenol A, and solvent recovery processes. It is a hazardous material requiring proper handling.
2. Manufacturing and supply
Acetone is primarily produced as a co-product of the cumene process for phenol manufacture, or via dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol. The crude product is purified by distillation to achieve 99.90% assay. It is supplied in 150 kg drums or in bulk tankers, with options for nitrogen blanketing and dedicated storage to maintain quality.
3. How it works
- Solvency: Acetone's low molecular weight and polar aprotic nature allow it to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances, including many polymers and resins.
- Volatility: Its low boiling point (56 °C) and high vapor pressure produce rapid evaporation, which accelerates drying in coatings and adhesives.
- Azeotrope formation: Acetone forms azeotropes with water and other solvents, useful for specialized drying and cleaning applications.
- Hydrogen bonding: The carbonyl group acts as a weak hydrogen bond acceptor, enhancing its ability to solvate hydroxyl-containing compounds.
- Reactivity: As a ketone, it undergoes typical reactions (e.g., condensation, reduction) but is generally stable under normal storage conditions.
4. Application areas in detail
4.1 Coatings and Inks
Acetone is used as a solvent in nitrocellulose lacquers, acrylic coatings, epoxy formulations, and printing inks. It provides fast evaporation and improves flow and leveling on substrates. Downstream products include automotive refinish paints, wood furniture coatings, flexographic inks, and screen-printing inks. In vinyl and acrylic systems, it helps control viscosity and film formation.
4.2 Adhesives and Sealants
In adhesives, acetone serves as a solvent for neoprene, polyurethane, epoxy, and cyanoacrylate formulations. It is used in contact adhesives, laminating adhesives, and hot-melt applications. End uses include shoe manufacturing, automotive interior assembly, packaging labels, and construction sealants. Its fast evaporation allows quick tack and bonding.
4.3 Cleaning and Degreasing
Acetone is a degreasing agent for metal parts, electronic components, and precision instruments. It removes oils, greases, flux residues, and adhesive remnants. Typical applications include PCB cleaning, optical lens cleaning, 3D printing post-processing, and fiber optic preparation. It is often used in ultrasonic cleaning baths and vapor degreasers.
4.4 Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
In pharmaceuticals, acetone is a processing solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), tablet coatings, and crystallization. It is used in nail polish removers, perfumes, lotions, and hair sprays as a cosmetic solvent. Downstream products include gel capsules, transdermal patches, and topical solutions. Its volatility ensures rapid drying and residue-free evaporation.
4.5 Chemical Intermediate
Acetone is a building block for methyl methacrylate (MMA), bisphenol A (BPA), diacetone alcohol, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and aldol chemicals. These intermediates feed into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastics, epoxy resins, polycarbonate, and solvent production. It is also used in pharmaceutical synthesis and agricultural chemicals.
5. Comparison with alternatives
| Alternative | Key difference | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Ethyl acetate | Lower volatility, less aggressive solvency | Slower drying, lower VOC but weaker for some resins |
| Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) | Higher boiling point, similar solvency | Slower evaporation, better for coatings requiring longer open time |
| Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) | Protic, lower solvency for nonpolar resins | Good for cleaning but poor for dissolving many polymers |
| Toluene | Aromatic, strong solvency, higher toxicity | Effective for oils and resins but more hazardous and regulated |
| Dichloromethane | Higher density, non-flammable | Excellent for degreasing but higher toxicity and environmental concerns |
| Dimethylformamide (DMF) | High boiling, powerful aprotic solvent | Dissolves difficult polymers but difficult to remove and toxic |
Acetone is preferred when fast evaporation, low residue, and broad solvency are required, especially in coatings, adhesives, and cleaning where drying speed is critical.
6. Handling, storage and compliance
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use, and ground all equipment during transfer to prevent static discharge. Personal protective equipment includes safety goggles, nitrile gloves, and a respirator if vapor concentrations exceed occupational limits. Acetone is classified as a flammable liquid (UN 1090, Class 3, Packing Group II) for transport. Comply with local VOC regulations, REACH, TSCA, and other applicable chemical control laws.
FAQ
Q1. What is the CAS number of acetone? A1. The CAS number for acetone is 67-64-1.
Q2. What is the typical assay of industrial acetone? A2. Commercial grade acetone is typically supplied at 99.90% assay.
Q3. What are the main uses of acetone? A3. It is used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents; as a degreasing agent; and as a chemical intermediate for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and polymers.
Q4. Is acetone miscible with water? A4. Yes, acetone is fully miscible with water in all proportions.
Q5. What is the flash point of acetone? A5. Acetone has a flash point of approximately -20 °C (closed cup), making it highly flammable.
Q6. How should acetone be stored? A6. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and flames. Keep containers tightly closed and grounded.
Q7. What is the HS code for acetone? A7. The Harmonized System code for acetone is 2914.11.00.
Q8. What packaging options are available for acetone? A8. Standard packaging is 150 kg drums, but bulk tankers and smaller containers may also be available.