Acetone

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H3C-CO-CH3  2-Propanone, Dimethylketone   C3H6O   MW 58,08 g/Mol flammable

Acetone is the oxidation product of 2-Propanole and the simplest representative of the ketones. The technical synthesis takes place usually in the Cumol procedure from benzene and propene with following oxidation via oxygen, whereby the formed peroxide is split with acids to phenole and acetone. Further syntheses are the Wacker procedure, by oxygenation of propene in presence of an aqueous solution of palladium and copper chloride at 110-120°C and 10-14 bar, or the catalytic dehydrogenation of 2-Propanole at the copper contact at 250 °C.

Usage

Acetone is used as solution and extracting agent for resins, fats and oils.

Physiology

Acetone belongs together with ß-Hydroxy Butyric Acid and Acetoacetic Acid to the so-called ketone bodies, which are formed as intermediate product of the fatty acid metabolism and wich are normally only in low concentration present in the blood. Elimination happens by urine excretion. With increased fat dismantling, e.g. by fasting or with diabetes, it comes to increased acetone formation (ketosis).