Acetone CAS 67-64-1: Physicochemical Properties, Industrial Applications, Safety Compliance, and Procurement Essentials

In the vast landscape of industrial chemicals, few solvents possess the versatility, efficiency, and widespread utility of this foundational volatile organic compound. Whether you are formulating advanced aerospace coatings, managing a high-precision semiconductor cleaning line, or procuring raw materials for pharmaceutical synthesis, understanding the nuances of this specific material is paramount.

This comprehensive guide delves deeply into the basic properties, manufacturing sources, specific application sectors, procurement logic, and critical safety guidelines associated with this indispensable chemical.

1. What is this Solvent?

Acetone CAS 67-64-1 is a colorless, highly volatile, and flammable liquid that serves as one of the most important aliphatic ketone solvents and organic synthesis intermediates in the global chemical industry. Renowned for its exceptional solvency power and rapid evaporation rate, it represents the simplest and smallest ketone available.

Key Identification Information:

• Name: Acetone
• Other Names: 2-Propanone, Dimethyl Ketone, Propanone
• CAS No.: CAS 67-64-1
• EC No.: 200-662-2
• Molecular Formula: C3H6O
• Molecular Weight: 58.08 g/mol
• Chemical Structure: CH3COCH3
• Product Category: Aliphatic Ketone Solvent, VOC, Organic Intermediate

The Core Value Proposition:

In a single sentence, the industrial value of this chemical lies in its dual capacity to act as an aggressive, fast-acting solvent capable of dissolving a wide array of resins, fats, and oils, while simultaneously being completely miscible with water and evaporating rapidly without leaving residues. This unique combination makes it highly sought after in industrial cleaning, formulation thinning, and chemical synthesis. According to NIST data, it features a molecular weight of 58.0791, a melting point of approximately −95.35°C, and a boiling point of 56.2°C—parameters that dictate its behavior in various temperature environments.

2. Basic Physicochemical Properties

Understanding the physical and chemical behavior of this fluid is the first step toward utilizing it safely and effectively in any industrial formulation or process. The following table outlines its most critical typical properties.

Operational Implications: The high vapor pressure and low boiling point mean this chemical dries incredibly fast. This is a massive advantage in processes requiring rapid turnaround times, such as high-speed printing or quick-dry adhesives. However, these exact same traits dictate that its storage, handling, and filling must be meticulously managed to control static electricity, ensure adequate ventilation, and eliminate any potential ignition sources.

3. Production Sources and Industrial Supply Chain

To secure a stable supply chain and understand pricing dynamics, B2B buyers must grasp how this chemical is manufactured and categorized.

Main Industrial Production Routes:

1. The Cumene Process: This is the most dominant manufacturing method globally. The solvent is produced as a co-product alongside phenol during the oxidation of cumene (isopropylbenzene). Therefore, its market availability and pricing are often heavily tied to the demand for phenol.
2. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Dehydrogenation or Oxidation: A secondary route involving the catalytic dehydrogenation of IPA. While less common than the cumene route today, it remains a viable pathway in certain regional markets.
3. Bio-based and Circular Sources: As sustainability mandates grow, some niche producers are exploring bio-based fermentation processes or advanced solvent recovery and recycling systems to offer “green” or circular alternatives.

Mainstream Supply Grades: Procurement is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Buyers must select the appropriate grade based on their specific end-use:

• Industrial Grade: The standard for bulk applications like paint thinning and general degreasing.
• High-Purity Grade: Used in more sensitive chemical synthesis.
• Analytical Reagent (AR) / HPLC Grade: Extremely tight specifications for laboratory chromatography and analysis.
• Electronic / Semiconductor Grade: Ultra-pure material with strict controls on trace metals and particulates.

Key Differentiation Factors: When moving beyond basic “percentage purity,” buyers must scrutinize parameters such as moisture content, color (APHA), acidity/alkalinity, non-volatile evaporation residue, heavy metal ions, and the cleanliness of the packaging itself.

4. Main Application Areas

Rather than a simple list of uses, it is crucial to understand how and why this chemical functions within specific industrial sectors.

4.1 Coatings, Inks, and Varnishes

In the formulation of paints and protective coatings, it acts as a highly efficient viscosity reducer. It facilitates the smooth dissolution and dispersion of various resins, pigments, and additives. Because of its fast-evaporating nature, it is frequently used to accelerate the surface drying time of the final film. It is capable of cutting through cellulose, vinyl, and acrylic resins.

4.2 Adhesives, Resins, and Composites

For manufacturers of adhesives and composite materials (such as fiberglass-reinforced plastics), this fluid is indispensable. It is widely used to thin unreacted resins prior to application and serves as a core solvent component in heavy-duty contact cements. Furthermore, it is the industry standard for cleaning uncured epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester resins from tools, mixing vats, and application equipment.

Note for Formulators: Because it flashes off so rapidly, relying on it as a sole solvent can drastically reduce the “open time” or leveling capabilities of an adhesive. It is usually blended with slower-evaporating solvents.

4.3 Industrial Cleaning and Metal Degreasing

As a heavy-duty degreaser, it excels at stripping away heavy machinery grease, stamping waxes, stubborn resin drips, and residual inks. It is frequently employed in the surface preparation of metals, glass, and ceramics prior to painting, plating, or welding.

Compatibility Warning: While it cleans metal perfectly, it is highly aggressive toward certain substrates. It will swell, dull, crack, or completely dissolve many types of plastics, rubber seals, and painted finishes. Always conduct material compatibility testing.

4.4 Pharmaceutical, Agrochemical, and Fine Chemical Synthesis

In chemical manufacturing, it acts as both a reaction medium and an extraction solvent. It is a critical chemical building block; for instance, it is a primary raw material in the synthesis of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) and Bisphenol A (BPA), which are downstream precursors for acrylic plastics and epoxy resins. Public data also highlights its use in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and drugs.

4.5 Electronic and Precision Cleaning

In the electronics manufacturing sector, it is utilized to dissolve rosin-based solder fluxes and remove organic contaminants from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and sensitive tooling. However, standard industrial grades are unacceptable here. Buyers must source Electronic Grade material to guarantee that moisture, particulate matter, and non-volatile residues remain below critical thresholds.

4.6 Laboratory, Daily Chemicals, and Miscellaneous Uses

Beyond heavy industry, it is widely recognized as the primary active ingredient in consumer nail polish removers. In laboratory settings, it is a universal solvent for preparing analytical samples and rinsing glassware to ensure rapid, spot-free drying.

5. Key Performance and Procurement Selection Logic

Purchasing chemicals for an industrial facility requires moving beyond basic encyclopedic knowledge and applying strict commercial and technical logic.

What Should Buyers Focus On?

• Determine the Required Purity: Clearly define if the process requires Industrial, AR, HPLC, or Electronic grade. Over-specifying drives up costs, while under-specifying can ruin production batches.
• Moisture Content: Water contamination is highly detrimental in moisture-sensitive polyurethane coatings, chemical syntheses, and lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes.
• Color (APHA): High color values can yellow transparent varnishes, resins, and optical coatings.
• Evaporation Residue: For optics and electronics, any residue left behind after evaporation is considered a critical defect.
• Packaging Specifications: Evaluate the logistical needs. Options range from small lab bottles to 200L steel drums, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), ISO Tanks, or bulk liquid vessel shipments.
• Batch Stability & Documentation: Reliable suppliers must provide consistent Certificates of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and dangerous goods transport declarations.
• Material Compatibility: Always verify its impact on plastics, rubber, coatings, sealing rings, and workpiece surfaces within your machinery.

A Practical Procurement Example: If sourcing a diluent for a marine anti-fouling paint, the procurement team will prioritize general solvency power, evaporation speed, bulk pricing, and stable vessel delivery. Conversely, if buying for a lithium-battery separator cleaning process, the technical team will veto the purchase unless the COA explicitly proves that trace metals and moisture levels meet rigorous part-per-million (ppm) limits.

6. Safety, Storage, and Transport Compliance

Acetone CAS 67-64-1 is classified universally as a hazardous chemical. Its flash point of approximately −17°C and an explosive limit ranging from 2.5% to 12.8% (by volume) in air make fire prevention the utmost priority. Vapors mixed with air can form explosive mixtures, and electrostatic discharge can easily ignite these vapors.

Major Hazard Characteristics:

• Extreme Flammability: Both the liquid and its vapors are highly flammable.
• Vapor Pooling: The vapors are heavier than air. They can travel considerable distances along the ground, accumulate in low-lying areas, and flash back if they reach an ignition source.
• Health Hazards: It acts as an irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high-concentration vapors can cause central nervous system depression, leading to dizziness, headaches, or drowsiness.
• Skin Contact: Repeated dermal contact strips natural skin oils, causing severe dryness and cracking (defatting).

Occupational Exposure Limits: Safety managers must monitor airborne concentrations. The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) is set at 250 ppm (TWA), while the US OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 1000 ppm (TWA). Enterprises must always adhere to local regulations, client standards, and on-site EHS management requirements.

Storage and Operational Recommendations:

• Store exclusively in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas specifically designated for flammable liquids, far removed from oxidizers, sparks, open flames, and direct heat.
• Keep all storage vessels tightly sealed to prevent fugitive vapor emissions.
• Implement strict grounding and bonding protocols during all transferring, pumping, and sampling operations to neutralize static electricity build-up.
• Mandate the use of explosion-proof (intrinsically safe) lighting, electrical fixtures, and ventilation fans in operational zones.
• Avoid operating in confined or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Ensure proper extinguishing equipment is available and establish spill emergency response procedures.
• Crucial: Never discharge the chemical into standard municipal sewers, surface waters, or drainage systems lacking fire and explosion-proof conditions.

Technical Specifications Reference Table

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