Acetone (CAS 67-64-1) is one of the most widely used solvents in the world — a clear, colourless, fast-evaporating liquid valued for its ability to dissolve a broad range of organic compounds. This guide covers what acetone is used for across industry and the laboratory, the grades available, and how to source it reliably.
What is acetone?
Acetone, also known as 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone, is the simplest ketone. It is fully miscible with water and most organic solvents, has a low boiling point (around 56 °C) and evaporates quickly, leaving little residue. These properties make it an extremely versatile industrial and laboratory solvent.
Common industrial uses of acetone
- Cleaning & degreasing — removing oils, resins and adhesives from metal and glass surfaces.
- Coatings & resins — a solvent and thinner in paints, lacquers and polyester resin production.
- Cosmetics — the active solvent in nail-polish removers.
- Plastics — used in the manufacture of acrylics and as a chemical feedstock.
Laboratory uses
In the lab, acetone is a go-to solvent for rinsing and drying glassware (it removes water and dries fast), for extractions, and as a mobile-phase component in chromatography. Reagent and ACS grades provide the high purity required for analytical work.
Acetone grades and purity
Acetone is supplied in technical, reagent and ACS grades. Higher grades (≥99.5%, GC) are used where purity matters — analytical chemistry, electronics and pharmaceutical applications — while technical grade suits cleaning and industrial processes. Always check the purity stated on the product page and request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for documented specifications.
Safe handling
Acetone is highly flammable. Store it in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and oxidisers, use non-sparking equipment, and keep containers closed. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available on request.
Buy acetone from Ozon Chemical
Ozon Chemical supplies high-purity acetone and a full range of solvents as an EU-registered, REACH-compliant supplier, with COA/SDS on request and worldwide shipping.
