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Acetone

Acetone is a versatile solvent used in manufacturing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals across East Africa.

Industrial buyers specify acetone primarily for its solvent capabilities—ideal for dissolving various chemical compounds efficiently and quickly.

Packaging

5L plastic bottles, 20L drums, 50L drums, 200L steel drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Acetone?

Industrial buyers specify acetone primarily for its solvent capabilities—ideal for dissolving various chemical compounds efficiently and quickly. This organic solvent is integral to numerous industrial processes due to its exceptional solvency power and volatility. Acetone, chemically known as propan-2-one with formula C3H6O, is a colorless, highly flammable liquid recognized by its distinctive sweetish odor.

Businesses across the manufacturing, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and metal treatment sectors regularly source acetone for production and cleaning applications. Its role in East Africa’s industrial markets, especially in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, is crucial given the expanding chemical processing and manufacturing sectors. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies acetone with consistent purity to meet the stringent quality demands of these industries, supporting reliable continuity in production schedules.

Acetone: Detailed Product Overview

Acetone is the simplest ketone, identified chemically as propan-2-one (C3H6O). This molecule features a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two methyl groups, providing it with polar characteristics that facilitate its strong ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances. Its high volatility, with a boiling point of 56°C, allows it to evaporate quickly from surfaces, making it ideal for fast-drying applications. Acetone’s excellent miscibility with water and most organic solvents underpins its widespread use in formulations.

From a chemical functionality standpoint, acetone acts as a powerful solvent that disrupts intermolecular bonds in target compounds, aiding their dissolution. For instance, in paint and coatings industries, it effectively breaks down resins and oxides for smooth application. In metal treatment, it cleans surfaces by removing oils, greases, and residues without leaving significant residues.

Industrial acetone purity is vital since impurities can affect solubility and drying times. Buyers regularly specify purity levels depending on the planned application—high-purity grades are mandatory for pharmaceuticals, while lower grades can suffice in general cleaning or degreasing. The flammability and volatility require that suppliers like Zenco Systems Ltd provide acetone in secure packaging and with clear safety guidelines.

Performance parameters such as flash point, evaporation rate, and solvent compatibility dictate how acetone integrates into processes. Its rapid evaporation reduces downtime in cleaning or coating applications but calls for careful handling to mitigate inhalation risks. In East African industrial markets, reliable supply and consistent quality are crucial for acetone’s role in automotive, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring uninterrupted production and compliance with local regulatory standards.

Applications and Uses of Acetone

Solvent for Pharmaceuticals

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, acetone is widely used as a solvent and reagent due to its ability to dissolve many active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. It facilitates processes like crystallization, purification, and formulation of drugs. Due to stringent purity demands in this sector, acetone supplied must meet high analytical specifications to prevent contamination and ensure product efficacy.

Cosmetic Ingredient

Acetone serves as a key solvent in cosmetic formulations, particularly in nail polish removers and some skin products. Its rapid evaporation ensures cosmetic products dry quickly without leaving residues that affect texture or appearance. Its compatibility with oils and resins in cosmetics makes it indispensable for producing consistent, high-performance products.

Industrial Cleaning Solvent

The metal treatment industry frequently employs acetone to clean machinery parts, metal surfaces, and tools by effectively dissolving grease, oils, and contaminants. Its fast evaporation rate allows maintenance teams to expedite turnaround times without leaving film residues that could interfere with further processing or coating.

Paint and Coating Formulations

Acetone is widely used as a solvent and thinner in paint and coating applications. It breaks down resins, enabling even application and improved adhesion. Its volatile nature contributes to rapid drying, enhancing workflow efficiency and final product finish quality in industrial and automotive painting.

Laboratory Solvent

In laboratories, acetone’s high purity and volatility make it ideal for equipment cleaning, sample preparation, and solvent extraction procedures. Its ability to dissolve various substances without causing unwanted chemical reactions is critical for analytical accuracy and maintaining experimental integrity.

Plastic and Resin Processing

Acetone is used as a solvent and cleaning agent in plastic and resin manufacturing. It helps dissolve polymers and clean processing equipment to avoid cross-contamination. Its low toxicity relative to other solvents and rapid evaporation improve safety and efficiency on production floors.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full metal treatment Chemicals range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Effective and Versatile Solvent

Acetone’s unique chemical structure allows it to dissolve a broad range of compounds including fats, oils, and resins, making it highly versatile for diverse industrial applications. This versatility reduces the need for multiple solvents, cutting procurement complexity and lowering inventory costs.

Rapid Evaporation for Faster Processes

Its low boiling point enables acetone to evaporate quickly after application, minimizing drying times and increasing throughput in processes like cleaning, coating, and manufacturing. This accelerates operations and improves productivity, which can be critical in high-volume industrial environments.

Compatibility with Various Materials

Acetone’s compatibility with both aqueous and non-aqueous substances allows seamless integration into complex chemical systems. This property is essential for industries like pharmaceuticals and coatings where mixing solvents ensures product stability and performance.

Reliable Supply and Quality Control

Sourcing acetone from trusted suppliers like Zenco Systems Ltd ensures consistent purity and effective batch-to-batch performance. Reliable supply chains minimize downtime caused by raw material shortages and allow clients across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to meet regulatory standards without delay.

Packaging Information

Acetone is available in multiple packaging options suited for various commercial needs in East Africa, including 5L plastic bottles for laboratory use, 20L and 50L drums for medium-scale industrial operations, and 200L steel drums for bulk supply. Packaging complies with transport and storage regulations for flammable liquids, ensuring safe handling and transit. Zenco Systems Ltd facilitates delivery across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, often supporting clients with bulk orders and tailored logistics.

Standard formats: 5L plastic bottles, 20L drums, 50L drums, 200L steel drums

Storage and Handling

Acetone should be stored in tightly closed containers within a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and ignition points due to its high flammability. Compatible storage includes steel or plastic drums certified for flammable liquids. Avoid prolonged exposure to air to prevent evaporation losses. Handling protocols recommend the use of chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection to minimize skin and eye contact. Segregate acetone from strong oxidizers and acids to prevent hazardous reactions. Typical shelf life depends on storage conditions; consulting the supplier’s batch-specific SDS is advised.

Safety Information

Acetone is highly flammable and volatile, posing fire and inhalation hazards if improperly handled. Workers should wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and respirators if ventilation is limited. In case of skin contact, rinse with water immediately; if inhaled, move to fresh air. Spills require clean-up using inert absorbents, avoiding ignition sources. Dispose of acetone-containing waste per environmental regulations to prevent pollution. For comprehensive safety details, refer to the acetone Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.784 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H6O
Packaging5L plastic bottles, 20L drums, 50L drums, 200L steel drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number67-64-1
SolubilityMiscible with water and most organic solvents
Flash Point-20°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point56°C
Chemical NamePropan-2-one
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Applications

  • Solvent for pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetic ingredient
  • Industrial cleaning solvent
  • Paint and coating formulations
  • Laboratory solvent
  • Plastic and resin processing

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.784 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H6O
Packaging5L plastic bottles, 20L drums, 50L drums, 200L steel drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number67-64-1
SolubilityMiscible with water and most organic solvents
Flash Point-20°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point56°C
Chemical NamePropan-2-one
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources

Product Features

  • - Colorless, transparent liquid
  • - High solubility in water and organics
  • - Low boiling point enabling rapid evaporation
  • - Highly flammable with flash point -20°C
  • - Ketone functional group for strong solvency
  • - Miscible with many industrial solvents

Industries Served

  • - Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • - Cosmetics production
  • - Metal treatment and cleaning
  • - Paints and coatings
  • - Laboratory and research facilities
  • - Plastic and resin processing

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Acetone

What is acetone used for in industry?

Acetone is used mainly as a solvent for dissolving chemicals, cleaning equipment, and preparing formulations in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, metal treatment, coatings, and laboratory applications.

What purity of acetone do you supply?

Purity varies by application; please confirm with Zenco Systems Ltd when ordering to ensure the acetone grade meets your specific industrial or pharmaceutical requirements.

How should acetone be stored safely?

Store acetone in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from ignition sources, using suitable containers like steel or approved plastic drums to prevent leaks and evaporation.

Do you supply acetone outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies acetone throughout East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and nearby countries, with reliable cross-border logistics support.

Can acetone be used in cosmetic products?

Yes, acetone is commonly used as a solvent in nail polish removers and some cosmetic formulations, ensuring quick drying and effective dissolving of resins and oils.

What packaging sizes are available for acetone?

Acetone is available in 5L plastic bottles, 20L and 50L drums, and 200L steel drums to accommodate various industrial and laboratory scale needs.

Is acetone flammable?

Yes, acetone is highly flammable with a low flash point; proper handling and storage away from heat and ignition sources are essential.

Can acetone be used for cleaning metal surfaces?

Absolutely, acetone effectively removes oils, greases, and contaminants from metal surfaces and tools, making it valuable in metal treatment and maintenance.

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