Acetone (CAS 67-64-1) is the fastest-evaporating ketone solvent in industrial use — and one of the highest-tonnage organic solvents purchased worldwide. It thins paints and lacquers, strips uncured resin from composite molds, degreases metal and electronics, and dissolves nail polish, all while flashing off in seconds without residue. This guide covers what acetone is, where it is used, how purity grades differ and how to buy it in bulk — from drums to full tanker loads shipped from Turkey.
What Is Acetone? Chemical Identity and Key Properties
Acetone is a colorless, water-clear, highly volatile liquid with a characteristic sharp, slightly sweet odor. Chemically it is the simplest ketone, with the molecular formula C3H6O — written out, (CH3)2CO. Its systematic name is propan-2-one (propanone), and older literature also calls it dimethyl ketone (DMK).
Two properties make acetone unique among industrial solvents: it is fully miscible with water in all proportions, yet it also dissolves oils, greases, uncured resins and many polymers. This dual polar/non-polar character lets it act as a bridge solvent between aqueous and organic systems.
Identity card and key data
| Property | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Acetone (Propan-2-one) |
| Synonyms | Dimethyl ketone, propanone, DMK |
| CAS number | 67-64-1 |
| EC number | 200-662-2 |
| Molecular formula | C3H6O — (CH3)2CO |
| Molecular weight | 58.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, clear liquid |
| Density (20 °C) | ~0.79 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | ~56 °C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | ~-20 °C |
| Water miscibility | Fully miscible in all proportions |
| UN number / ADR class | UN 1090 / Class 3, PG II |
The low boiling point (~56 °C) and very high vapor pressure explain acetone's speed. With an evaporation rate of roughly 5.6 relative to n-butyl acetate (= 1), it dries several times faster than most common paint solvents — the main reason it dominates fast-drying cleaning and thinning applications.
Why Acetone Dissolves So Much, So Fast
The carbonyl group (C=O) gives the acetone molecule strong polarity, while its two methyl groups add non-polar character. The result is a balanced solvent that attacks both polar and non-polar soils.
In practice, acetone effectively dissolves:
- Polyester and epoxy resins (in the uncured state) — the reason it is the standard cleaning solvent in composite production.
- Nitrocellulose, acrylic and vinyl resins — used to thin fast-drying lacquers and coatings.
- Oils, greases, waxes and silicone residues — in metal and electronics surface preparation.
- PMMA (acrylic glass / plexiglass) — controlled dissolution enables solvent welding and edge finishing.
- Nail polish and resin-based cosmetic films — acetone is the active ingredient of classic nail polish removers.
Important caveat: acetone attacks several plastics — polystyrene, ABS, PMMA and polycarbonate — causing hazing or cracking. Always run a compatibility test on a small hidden area before wiping plastic surfaces. If you need a gentler alternative for sensitive substrates, see our isopropyl alcohol (IPA) guide.
How Acetone Is Made: Supply and Price Dynamics
Around 90% of global acetone comes from the cumene process. Benzene and propylene are first converted to cumene; oxidation and cleavage of cumene then yield phenol and acetone together, at roughly 0.6 tons of acetone per ton of phenol.
This co-product character has a practical consequence every buyer should understand: acetone supply largely follows phenol demand. When phenol demand (driven by polycarbonate and epoxy resin markets) weakens, acetone output is cut as well — and prices can firm up regardless of acetone's own demand. Movements in upstream petrochemicals such as propylene and benzene also feed directly into the acetone price.
A smaller share of production comes from dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol. Because the Turkish market is largely import-fed, currency rates, freight and the international supply balance transfer quickly into local prices. Businesses with steady consumption benefit significantly from period contracts instead of spot purchasing — a service we structure routinely for regular customers.
What Is Acetone Used For? Applications by Sector
Acetone appears in the daily operations of a remarkably wide range of industries.
Paints, lacquers and coatings
Acetone serves as a thinner component in nitrocellulose lacquers, fast-drying primers and some acrylic systems. In spray application it delivers rapid flash-off; after application, it is the go-to solvent for cleaning guns, lines and equipment. For a deeper look at matching solvents to resin systems, see our guide on choosing the right solvent for paints and coatings.
Composites and GRP (glass-reinforced plastic)
Every workshop running polyester or vinyl ester resin keeps acetone on hand. Cleaning molds, rollers, brushes and spray equipment of uncured resin is the industry standard use. Boat builders, cabin, panel and pipe manufacturers consume acetone continuously for gelcoat equipment cleanup and mold surface preparation.
PMMA / acrylic fabrication
Acrylic sheet fabricators use acetone for solvent bonding, edge cleaning and surface preparation. Applied in controlled amounts, it improves joint strength in acrylic assemblies.
Electronics and metalworking: degreasing
Pre-weld metal surface preparation, die and tool cleaning, and removal of flux and resin residues in electronics manufacturing are all done quickly and residue-free with acetone. Drying without a trace is the critical advantage ahead of painting, plating or bonding steps.
Cosmetics and personal care
Acetone is the main ingredient of nail polish removers and the standard solvent for removing acrylic nails. Cosmetic applications call for high-purity, low-water grades.
Laboratories and pharma
In laboratories, acetone is ubiquitous for rinsing and drying glassware and as an extraction and reaction solvent. It is also a chemical feedstock for major intermediates such as MMA (methyl methacrylate) and bisphenol-A.
Other applications
Printing equipment cleaning, adhesive and sealant thinning, spot cleaning in textiles, ink formulations and fiberglass repair kits round out acetone's regular consumption base.
Acetone vs MEK vs Ethyl Acetate: Which Solvent, When?
The question purchasing and formulation teams ask most often: acetone, MEK or ethyl acetate? All three are strong, fast-drying solvents — but their evaporation rates, flash points and regulatory profiles differ.
| Criterion | Acetone | MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) | Ethyl acetate |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS number | 67-64-1 | 78-93-3 | 141-78-6 |
| Chemical class | Ketone | Ketone | Ester |
| Evaporation rate (nBuAc = 1) | ~5.6 (very fast) | ~3.8 (fast) | ~4.1 (fast) |
| Boiling point | ~56 °C | ~80 °C | ~77 °C |
| Flash point | ~-20 °C | ~-9 °C | ~-4 °C |
| Water miscibility | Fully miscible | Partial (~27%) | Limited (~8%) |
| Solvent power | Very strong (resins, oils, PMMA) | Very strong, slower release | Strong, somewhat "softer" |
| Odor | Sharp, sweetish | Pungent | Fruity, more acceptable |
| Typical use | Equipment/mold cleaning, fast thinning, degreasing | Adhesives, coatings, printing inks | Flexible packaging inks, lacquers, odor-sensitive work |
Practical selection rules:
- Choose acetone when you need maximum speed and residue-free cleaning; full water miscibility also simplifies rinse steps.
- Choose MEK when a slower evaporation and longer open time matter — typically adhesives and coating films.
- Choose ethyl acetate for odor-sensitive environments and printing applications; our ethyl acetate vs butyl acetate comparison covers the details.
If you are unsure, send us your process temperature, target drying time and the resin type to be dissolved — our technical team will recommend the right solvent and the right grade.
Technical Grade vs High-Purity Acetone
Not every application needs the same purity, and choosing the correct grade directly affects both performance and cost.
| Grade | Typical purity | Water content | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical grade | ≥ 99% | ≤ 0.5% | Equipment/mold cleaning, degreasing, general thinning |
| High purity | ≥ 99.5% | ≤ 0.3% | Paint/lacquer formulation, cosmetics, precision cleaning |
| Analytical / special grade | ≥ 99.8% | ≤ 0.1% | Laboratory, electronics, pharma-adjacent processes |
- For most cleaning and degreasing work, technical grade is fully sufficient and the most economical choice.
- When acetone enters a formulation (paint, nail polish remover, adhesive), low water content and low evaporation residue become critical — specify high purity.
- Parameters such as color (APHA), density, water content and non-volatile residue should be verified batch by batch against a certificate of analysis. Yüksek Kimya issues a COA and SDS with every acetone shipment as standard practice.
Flammability and Safe Storage: What You Must Know
Acetone's dominant hazard is its high flammability. With a flash point of roughly -20 °C, it forms ignitable vapors far below room temperature. Under GHS/CLP it carries H225 (highly flammable liquid and vapour) together with H319 and H336, and it ships as UN 1090, ADR Class 3.
Core rules for safe handling:
- Eliminate ignition sources: open flames, sparks, hot surfaces and static electricity are the main risks. Acetone vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to a distant ignition point.
- Ground and bond: always ground drums, IBCs and pumps during transfer, and avoid free-fall (splash) filling.
- Ventilate: provide adequate natural or mechanical ventilation in storage and use areas; use explosion-proof (ATEX-rated) equipment in enclosed spaces.
- Keep it cool and shaded: store in tightly closed original packaging away from direct sunlight, ideally at 15-25 °C.
- Segregate incompatibles: never store with strong oxidizers, strong acids or strong bases.
- Use PPE: solvent-resistant gloves (e.g. butyl rubber), goggles where splashing is possible, and suitable respiratory protection when ventilation is limited.
Spill and waste management belongs in the same plan. Collect small spills with non-sparking tools and inert absorbent (vermiculite, sand), accumulate solvent-laden waste in closed metal containers and hand it over to a licensed disposal company. Never discharge acetone to drains. For high-volume users, on-site solvent recovery by distillation cuts both cost and waste volume substantially.
For warehouse layout, segregation classes and ADR-compliant dispatch practice, our chemical storage and ADR transport guide is a useful companion read. All Yüksek Kimya shipments are planned with ADR-compliant vehicles and documentation.
Packaging Options: Jerrycan, Drum, IBC and Bulk
The right packaging depends on your consumption rate, transfer equipment and warehouse setup. Because acetone's density is ~0.79 g/cm³, volume-to-weight conversion differs from heavier solvents.
| Packaging | Typical net quantity | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Jerrycan | 5-30 kg | Workshops, laboratories, trial lots |
| Steel drum (200 L) | ~150-160 kg | Mid-size manufacturers, regular consumption |
| IBC tank (1000 L) | ~790 kg | High-consumption plants, filling lines |
| Bulk (tanker) | 20-24 tons | Continuous process use, formulation plants |
Selection tips:
- Once monthly consumption passes a few hundred kilograms, moving from drums to IBCs lowers both unit cost and handling workload.
- Conductive equipment and grounding are mandatory for drum and IBC transfer — review your filling infrastructure before fixing the packaging format.
- Bulk delivery is the most economical route for sites with tank farms and ATEX-rated pumps; delivery schedules are built around your consumption plan.
Export Supply from Turkey: Documents and Incoterms
For international buyers, Yüksek Kimya supports export orders with complete documentation: safety data sheet (SDS) in English, batch-specific certificate of analysis (COA), packing list and commercial invoice, with UN-approved packaging and GHS-compliant labeling throughout.
Quotations can be structured under common Incoterms — EXW Bursa, FOB Turkish port or CIF/CFR destination port — according to your logistics preference. Because acetone is a Class 3 dangerous good, sea freight bookings include the required dangerous goods declarations, and our team coordinates ADR-compliant pre-carriage to the port. Lead times and palletization details (e.g. drums per 20' container) are confirmed at the quotation stage.
How to Order Bulk Acetone from Yüksek Kimya
As a B2B chemical raw material distributor based in Kestel, Bursa, Yüksek Kimya stocks acetone in multiple purity grades and ships it in the packaging format your operation needs. Our management systems are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, complemented by GHP hygiene certification.
Ordering is straightforward:
- Define your need: application (cleaning, formulation, laboratory), monthly volume and preferred packaging.
- Request a quote: use the form on our contact page or simply call us for the current acetone price and stock position — phone orders are welcome.
- Samples and documents: samples are available on request; every shipment includes an SDS and COA.
- Delivery: jerrycan, drum, IBC or tanker — dispatched with ADR-compliant transport, domestic or export.
Browse our full ketone solvent range in the Ketones and Organic Solvents category, or go straight to the acetone product page for specifications. For recurring supply contracts, multi-product baskets and bulk deliveries, our sales team prepares tailored pricing — get in touch today and receive your quotation the same day.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acetone and what is its CAS number?
Acetone is a colorless, fast-evaporating liquid and the simplest ketone solvent, fully miscible with water. Its molecular formula is C3H6O, its CAS number is 67-64-1 and its EC number is 200-662-2. It is also known as dimethyl ketone or propanone.
What is acetone mainly used for?
Acetone is used to thin paints and lacquers, clean molds and tools in composite/GRP production, process PMMA (acrylic), degrease metal and electronic surfaces, formulate nail polish removers and other cosmetics, and as a general laboratory solvent.
How should acetone be stored safely?
Acetone has a flash point of about -20 °C and is classified as a highly flammable liquid. Store it in tightly closed original packaging in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, and always ground and bond containers during transfer.
In which packaging can I buy acetone in bulk?
Yüksek Kimya supplies bulk acetone in jerrycans, 150-160 kg steel drums, approximately 790 kg IBC tanks (1000 L) and full tanker loads. Every shipment includes an SDS and batch COA, and transport is arranged in line with ADR rules.