Zenco Systems LtdChemical Division
+254114591982info@zencochemicals.comChat on WhatsAppGet a Quote

Acetone

High-purity acetone solvent for industrial cleaning, chemical production, and manufacturing uses across East Africa.

Acetone belongs to the ketone family of organic solvents, characterized by its simple structure and high volatility.

Packaging

5L, 20L, 25kg, 200L drums

Supply Region

East Africa, Kenya

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Acetone?

Acetone belongs to the ketone family of organic solvents, characterized by its simple structure and high volatility. As a colorless, transparent liquid with exceptional solvency, acetone is prized in multiple industrial sectors across East Africa. Its rapid evaporation and ability to dissolve a wide range of substances make it indispensable in chemical manufacturing processes, industrial cleaning, and product formulation.

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics, and coatings regularly depend on acetone for its cleaning, degreasing, and solvent properties. The product offered by Zenco Systems Ltd meets stringent purity standards necessary for performance and safety in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries. Commercially, acetone’s importance stems from its versatility and accessibility, with reliable supply logistics tailored to the East African market ensuring continuous availability for manufacturing needs.

Whether used as a solvent for cleaning production equipment, an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, or a carrier in cosmetics formulation, acetone remains a core chemical commodity. Its proven effectiveness, combined with strict quality control, establishes it as a dependable choice for industrial operators and procurement professionals alike.

Acetone: Detailed Product Overview

Chemically identified as Propan-2-one with the molecular formula C3H6O and CAS Number 67-64-1, acetone is one of the simplest and most widely utilized ketones. Its composition features a carbonyl group (C=O) flanked by two methyl groups, which imparts its polarity and solvent capabilities. This polarity allows acetone to dissolve a broad spectrum of organic compounds, including many plastics, synthetic fibers, oils, and resins.

The solvent mechanism hinges on acetone's ability to disrupt intermolecular forces within solutes. As a polar aprotic solvent, it dissolves substances by interacting via dipole-dipole forces rather than hydrogen bonding, facilitating rapid dissolution without leaving residues. This property underpins its widespread use in fast-drying applications where quick evaporation is essential.

Acetone’s physical properties contribute significantly to its industrial utility. It boils at 56°C and evaporates quickly at ambient temperatures, enabling processes that require rapid drying, such as paint thinning and surface preparation. It is fully miscible with water and many organic solvents, supporting diverse formulation requirements.

Performance in degreasing and cleaning stems from its capacity to dissolve grease, oils, waxes, and certain polymers without aggressive chemical breakdown of base substrates. This gentle yet effective action makes it suitable for precision cleaning in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics manufacturing.

The acetone supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd is rigorously tested to ensure consistent purity and performance aligned with international chemical standards. Buyers should confirm specifications including purity and grade at the point of order to ensure compliance with their specific industrial applications. In addition to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the supply network extends to neighboring countries, supporting regional manufacturing and chemical processing industries. Proper handling given acetone’s flammability and vapor pressure is essential to maintain safety and quality throughout the supply chain.

Applications and Uses of Acetone

Industrial Solvent and Degreasing Agent

Acetone is widely employed as a solvent for industrial cleaning and degreasing due to its ability to dissolve oils, waxes, and other contaminants quickly. It is commonly used to clean metal parts before assembly or painting, ensuring surfaces are free of residues that could interfere with adhesion or coating performance. The solvent evaporates rapidly, leaving no residue behind, which improves process efficiency in manufacturing plants across East Africa.

Chemical Manufacturing Intermediate

In chemical synthesis, acetone acts as a key intermediate or solvent. It facilitates reactions such as condensations or polymerizations by dissolving reactants evenly and providing a stable medium for reaction kinetics. Pharmaceutical companies rely on acetone to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or to purify compounds. Its quality and purity standards are critical here, with Zenco Systems Ltd maintaining supply consistency to meet these technical demands.

Pharmaceutical Production

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use acetone in formulations and as a solvent for tablet coating and extraction processes. Its volatile nature allows for quick removal from drug substances without leaving harmful residues, which is essential for ensuring product safety and meeting regulatory requirements. Buyers sourcing acetone for pharmaceutical use must verify compliance with pharmaceutical-grade standards.

Cosmetics Formulation

Acetone serves as a solvent in cosmetics manufacturing, particularly in nail polish removers and other beauty products requiring fast evaporation and effective solvent action. Its ability to dissolve nitrocellulose and similar polymers makes it invaluable in coating formulations. The purity of acetone directly affects product safety and performance, underlining the importance of sourcing from reliable suppliers such as Zenco Systems Ltd.

Paint and Coatings Solvent

The paint and coatings industry uses acetone to thin synthetic resins and remove uncured paint, aiding in application smoothness and finish quality. Due to its rapid evaporation rate, coatings formulated with acetone dry quickly, reducing production cycle times. Additionally, acetone assists in cleaning spray equipment, minimizing downtime in manufacturing processes.

Solvent for Plastics and Synthetic Fibers

Acetone dissolves many plastics and synthetic fibers such as polycarbonate and polyester, facilitating manufacturing and recycling applications. In plastic fabrication, it can be used to clean molds and remove residual polymers. Its compatibility with these materials requires operators to balance solvent strength against potential substrate softening or damage.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Solvents & Thinners range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Rapid Evaporation Enhances Process Efficiency

Acetone’s low boiling point (56°C) leads to fast evaporation, enabling quick drying in coatings, cleaning, and manufacturing stages. This reduces equipment downtime and accelerates production schedules because solvents dissipate swiftly without prolonged residues. The benefit is particularly important in East African industrial environments where throughput and resource optimization directly affect profitability.

Strong Solvency Across Diverse Materials

Acetone dissolves a broad range of organic compounds including oils, resins, and plastics due to its polar aprotic nature. This broad solvency profile makes it a versatile tool for chemical manufacturing, cleaning, and formulation tasks. Users gain operational flexibility, reducing the need for multiple specialized solvents.

Consistent Supply and Quality from Regional Expertise

Zenco Systems Ltd’s supply chain is optimized for East African industries with quality verification tailored to regional regulatory and industrial standards. Consistency in purity and reliable delivery to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania ensure uninterrupted production lines and compliance. This regional focus also minimizes lead times and facilitates timely order fulfillment.

Compatible with Water and Organic Solvents

Acetone is fully miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it an ideal choice for formulations requiring solvent blending. This compatibility supports customized chemical processes and product development, allowing formulators greater control over solution properties and reaction environments.

Packaging Information

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies acetone in a variety of packaging formats tailored to regional industrial needs. Common packaging includes 5L and 20L drums for small-to-medium scale use, as well as 25kg and 200L drums for bulk industrial consumption. These containers are designed for safe transport and storage within Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and can be arranged for cross-border deliveries across East Africa. Bulk tanker shipments are also available for very large volume orders, with secure handling measures to preserve product quality throughout transit.

Standard formats: 5L, 20L, 25kg, 200L drums

Storage and Handling

Acetone should be stored in tightly sealed containers made from compatible materials such as metal or specific plastics resistant to ketones. Storage areas must be cool, dry, and well-ventilated to prevent vapor accumulation and reduce fire hazard risk due to acetone's high flammability. Keep away from ignition sources and incompatible chemicals like strong oxidizers. Containers should be labeled clearly and inspected regularly for integrity. The shelf life typically ranges up to one year if stored under proper conditions. When handling acetone, use anti-static measures and avoid ignition sources to maintain safety.

Safety Information

Acetone is a highly flammable liquid and vapor that requires careful handling. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing is recommended during use. Ensure good ventilation to minimize inhalation exposure since acetone vapors can cause dizziness or respiratory irritation. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation persists. For spills, eliminate ignition sources and ventilate the area. Dispose of acetone waste according to local hazardous waste regulations. Consult the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd before handling.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.7845 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H6O
Packaging5L, 20L drums; 25kg drums; 200L drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number67-64-1
SolubilityMiscible with water and most organic solvents
Flash Point-20°C
Boiling Point56°C
Chemical NameAcetone
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, well-ventilated, away from ignition sources

Applications

  • Industrial solvent
  • Cleaning and degreasing
  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical production
  • Cosmetics formulation
  • Paint and coatings solvent
  • Plastics and synthetic fibers solvent

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.7845 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H6O
Packaging5L, 20L drums; 25kg drums; 200L drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number67-64-1
SolubilityMiscible with water and most organic solvents
Flash Point-20°C
Boiling Point56°C
Chemical NameAcetone
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, well-ventilated, away from ignition sources

Product Features

  • - Colorless transparent liquid
  • - High volatility and fast evaporation
  • - Polar aprotic solvent
  • - Miscible with water and organic solvents
  • - Boiling point 56°C
  • - Highly flammable

Industries Served

  • - Pharmaceuticals
  • - Cosmetics
  • - Plastics manufacturing
  • - Paints and coatings
  • - Chemical production
  • - Industrial cleaning

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Acetone

What is acetone used for in manufacturing?

Acetone is primarily used as a solvent for cleaning equipment, as an intermediate in chemical reactions, and for thinning or dissolving polymers in paints, plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Can I get pharmaceutical-grade acetone from Zenco Systems Ltd?

Pharmaceutical-grade acetone availability depends on your specific purity requirements. Confirm with Zenco Systems Ltd at order to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical standards.

What packaging sizes are available for acetone in East Africa?

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies acetone in packages including 5L, 20L drums, 25kg drums, and 200L drums, catering to various industrial needs across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Is acetone supplied through cross-border logistics outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supports reliable acetone deliveries across East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and neighboring countries, ensuring timely regional supply.

How should acetone be stored to maintain quality?

Store acetone in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat or ignition sources, in appropriate sealed containers to prevent vapor loss and contamination.

What safety precautions are necessary when handling acetone?

Use PPE such as gloves and goggles, ensure good ventilation, avoid ignition sources, and follow the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidance to manage flammability and vapor inhalation risks.

How long is acetone stable under proper storage conditions?

Acetone typically remains stable for up to one year if stored properly in sealed containers away from heat and contaminants.

Does acetone dissolve all plastics?

Acetone dissolves many plastics like polystyrene and polyester but not all; compatibility should be confirmed based on the specific plastic type in your application.

Related Products

More chemicals in Solvents & Thinners

View category

Contact Hub

Select how you would like to reach Zenco desk:

WhatsApp

Quick response for pricing, quotations, and follow-up

RECOMMENDED

Call Us

+254114591982

DIRECT

Email

info@zencochemicals.com

AI Assistant

Product guidance, quotation prep, and category discovery