What is Acetone Made From?

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Whether you are using acetone to do something as simple as remove your nail polish, or something more extreme like using it to clean up the aftermath of an oil spill, there is almost no industry that couldn’t benefit from the use of this versatile solvent. Acetone is an organic, non-toxic product making it safe to use in personal care, cleaning of animals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This solvent is multifaceted and can be used in many areas to clean, thin, and degrease, but what is acetone made of?

What is Acetone Made of and What is it Used For?

  • Acetone is a naturally occurring compound also known as propanone. Composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, acetone presents as a clear liquid that is highly flammable and often used as cleaner in industrial settings.
  • Acetone is found in volcanic gases, plants, in byproducts of forest fires, and the breakdown of body fat. Acetone evaporates very quickly, and while it is produced in nature, for commercial use it is produced by manually combining three carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom to produce the compound element (CH3)2CO, that we call acetone.
  • Because acetone is both organic and non-toxic, when used properly, it is an element many products that people use every day. Acetone is the main ingredient in paint thinner, used as a solvent in various cosmetics and facial treatments, as well as a cleaning agent to remove sticky substances like glue or resin. Acetone is also used as an additive in gasoline that thins the gas allowing it to diffuse more easily through the engine, resulting in higher fuel efficiency.

Looking to Purchase Acetone?

Acetone is a chemical that is used daily by many people. Across all industries acetone is necessary for developing new products, cleaning, degreasing, or even saving marine life from detrimental oil spills. If your business is in need of a solvent like acetone, give us a call 800-563-1305. We specialize in producing eco friendly solvents for commercial use, from 5 gallon pails to 55 gallon drums. Contact us today to learn more about acetone and our line of environmentally conscious products.