1 Introduction to Acetone
Acetone is an organic compound with the molecular formula C3H6O, also known as dimethyl ketone, and is the simplest saturated ketone. It is a colorless, transparent liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. It is readily soluble in water and organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, ether, Trichloromethane, and pyridine. It is flammable, volatile, and chemically reactive.
The industrial production of acetone mainly uses the cumene process. Industrially, acetone is primarily used as a solvent in the explosives, plastics, rubber, fiber, leather, oil, and paint industries. It is also an important raw material for the synthesis of ketones, acetic anhydride, iodoform, polyisoprene rubber, methyl methacrylate, chloroform, and epoxy resins. It is a controlled precursor chemical in China.
2 Physical and Chemical Properties of Acetone
Acetone is a representative compound of aliphatic ketones and exhibits typical ketone reactions. For example, it forms a colorless crystalline adduct with sodium bisulfite. It reacts with hydrogen cyanide to form acetone cyanohydrin. Reduction with catalytic hydrogenation or lithium aluminum hydride yields isopropanol; bimolecular reduction with reducing agents such as magnesium amalgam yields pinacol. Acetone is relatively stable to oxidizing agents. It is not oxidized by nitric acid at room temperature. Using acidic potassium permanganate as a strong oxidizing agent, it produces acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. In the presence of a base, it undergoes bimolecular condensation to form diacetone alcohol. 2 mol of acetone in the presence of various acidic catalysts (hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride, or sulfuric acid) yields mesitylene oxide, which then adds to 1 mol of acetone to form phorone (diisopropylacetone). 3 mol of acetone in concentrated sulfuric acid dehydrates 3 mol of water to form 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. In lime… In the presence of sodium alkoxide or sodium amide, acetone condenses to form isophorone (3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one). In the presence of acid or base, it undergoes condensation reactions with aldehydes or ketones to produce keto-alcohols, unsaturated ketones, and resinous substances. Under acidic conditions, it condenses with phenol to form bisphenol A. The α-hydrogen atom of acetone is readily replaced by halogens to form α-haloacetone. It reacts with sodium hypohalite or alkaline solutions of halogens to form haloforms. Acetone undergoes addition reactions with Grignard reagents, and the addition product hydrolyzes to give tertiary alcohols. Acetone can also undergo condensation reactions with ammonia and its derivatives such as hydroxylamine, hydrazine, and phenylhydrazine. Furthermore, acetone undergoes cracking at 500–1000 °C to produce ketene. At 170–260 °C, it passes through a silicon-aluminum catalyst to produce isobutylene and acetaldehyde; at 300–350 °C, it produces isobutylene and acetic acid, etc. Acetone cannot be oxidized by weak oxidizing agents such as silver ammonia solution or freshly prepared copper hydroxide, but it can be catalytically hydrogenated to produce alcohols.
3 Industrial Uses of Acetone
Acetone is an important raw material for organic synthesis, used in the production of epoxy resins, polycarbonates, plexiglass, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, etc. It is also a good solvent, used in coatings, adhesives, and acetylene cylinders. It is also used as a diluent, cleaning agent, and extractant. It is an important raw material for the manufacture of acetic anhydride, diacetone alcohol, chloroform, iodoform, epoxy resins, polyisoprene rubber, methyl methacrylate, etc. It is used as a solvent in the smokeless gunpowder, celluloid, cellulose acetate, and spray painting industries. It is used as an extractant in the oil and fat industries.
It is used to produce important organic chemical raw materials such as plexiglass monomers, bisphenol A, diacetone alcohol, hexanediol, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl isobutyl methanol, phorone, isophorone, chloroform, and iodoform. It is used as an excellent solvent in coatings, cellulose acetate spinning processes, acetylene cylinder storage, and dewaxing in the oil refining industry.
4 Transportation and Storage of Acetone
Transportation Methods
Transport vehicles should be equipped with appropriate types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency handling equipment. Transportation is best done in the early morning or late evening during summer. Tank trucks used for transportation should have grounding chains, and perforated baffles can be installed inside the tank to reduce static electricity generated by vibration. Mixing or transporting with oxidizers, reducing agents, alkalis, or food chemicals is strictly prohibited. During transportation, protect from direct sunlight, rain, and high temperatures. When stopping en route, keep away from sources of ignition, heat sources, and high-temperature areas. Vehicles transporting this product must have flame arresters on their exhaust pipes, and the use of machinery and tools that may generate sparks is prohibited during loading and unloading. When transporting by road, follow the prescribed routes and do not stop in residential areas or densely populated areas. When transporting by rail, shunting is prohibited. Bulk transportation by wooden or cement boats is strictly prohibited.
Storage Methods
This product is highly flammable and poses a serious fire hazard, belonging to Class A fire hazard substances. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat sources, ignition sources, and incompatible substances. All containers should be placed on the ground. However, acetone that has been stored for a long time or recovered often contains acidic impurities, which are corrosive to metals.
Package in 200L (53 US gallons) iron drums, each with a net weight of 160 kg. The inside of the drums should be clean and dry. Store in a dry, well-ventilated place, maintaining a temperature below 35°C. Prevent violent impacts during loading, unloading, and transportation, and protect from direct sunlight and rain. Store and transport according to regulations for fire-resistant and explosion-proof chemicals.
Storage Precautions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated dedicated warehouse, away from sources of ignition and heat. The warehouse temperature should not exceed 29°C. Keep containers sealed. Store separately from oxidizers, reducing agents, and alkalis; do not mix storage. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities. Do not use machinery or tools that may generate sparks. The storage area should be equipped with spill response equipment and suitable containment materials.
5 Acetone Recovery and Treatment
Due to its high volatility and flammability, and its indispensable role as a raw material or solvent in industrial production, the treatment of waste acetone is a crucial aspect that requires our attention. The recovered solvent can be reused, providing a one-stop solution for enterprises’ disposal problems.
