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Acetone

Acetone is a volatile solvent widely used in manufacturing, cleaning, and chemical synthesis applications across East Africa.

Acetone is a clear, colorless liquid solvent known chemically as propanone (C3H6O), featuring high volatility and excellent solvency.

Packaging

5L plastic containers, 20L drums, 200L steel drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Acetone?

Acetone is a clear, colorless liquid solvent known chemically as propanone (C3H6O), featuring high volatility and excellent solvency. It functions as a versatile industrial chemical within numerous sectors due to its ability to dissolve many plastics, synthetic fibers, and resins. Across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, acetone’s significance lies in its widespread commercial use in manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and cosmetics formulation.

Many industries favor acetone for its quick evaporation and strong degreasing capacity. It supports efficient paint thinning, adhesive formulation, and chemical synthesis processes. As a highly flammable, miscible solvent, acetone must be handled safely but delivers exceptional performance where rapid drying and effective cleaning are required. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies acetone reliably to clients throughout East Africa, ensuring consistent product quality and availability tailored to industrial needs.

Acetone: Detailed Product Overview

Acetone, or propanone (C3H6O), is the simplest ketone and one of the most important industrial solvents. Its molecular structure, featuring a carbonyl group flanked by two methyl groups, imparts remarkable solvency for many organic substances. The compound’s properties include low boiling point (56°C), high volatility, and complete miscibility with water and organic solvents like alcohols and ethers. This dual polarity enables acetone to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds, facilitating diverse applications.

In manufacturing and chemical synthesis, acetone acts as a reaction medium and intermediate, notably in producing methyl methacrylate and bisphenol-A plastics. Its capacity to evaporate quickly without residue makes it ideal for paint thinning and cleaning metal surfaces, removing oils, greases, and resins effectively. Beyond its solvency, acetone is valued for its moderate toxicity and ready biodegradability compared to other solvents, easing environmental handling concerns.

Though flammable and volatile, acetone’s wide availability and cost-efficiency have established it as an industrial staple. Zenco Systems Ltd sources acetone conforming to regional quality standards with purity and grade details confirmed per order, addressing the varied requirements across pharmaceutical, automotive, and cosmetic industries in East Africa. Proper storage away from ignition sources and ventilation is essential to maintain safety and product integrity during transport and warehousing.

Applications and Uses of Acetone

Paint Thinning

Acetone is commonly used as a paint thinner to adjust the viscosity of lacquer and enamel paints. Its rapid evaporation rate aids in faster drying times without leaving residues that can affect sheen or adhesion. Typical dilution ratios vary between 10-30% acetone depending on paint formulation and application method. This improves brushability and spray consistency, crucial for automotive and furniture manufacturing across Kenya and Tanzania.

Industrial Cleaning

The solvent power of acetone makes it a popular choice for degreasing metal parts and cleaning machinery surfaces. It effectively removes oils, waxes, and resins without damaging underlying materials. In East African manufacturing plants, acetone-based cleaners contribute to equipment longevity and improved product quality. Usage generally involves wiping with acetone-soaked cloths or spray application, followed by quick evaporation ensuring minimal downtime.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In pharmaceutical production, acetone serves as both a solvent and raw material for synthesizing active ingredients and excipients. It dissolves various compounds for crystallization, purification, and formulation processes. East African pharmaceutical companies rely on acetone’s consistent purity to meet strict compliance standards, with typical volumes ordered reflecting batch sizes and route of administration considerations.

Cosmetic Formulations

Acetone is widely used in cosmetic products such as nail polish removers due to its strong solvency and rapid evaporation. Its inclusion enhances product performance by quickly breaking down polymers and resins on nails. Locally formulated cosmetics in Kenya and Uganda incorporate acetone meeting specific purity criteria to ensure user safety and product stability.

Chemical Synthesis

As a fundamental chemical intermediate, acetone is involved in synthesizing a wide range of industrial chemicals including methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A. These intermediates lead to plastics, synthetic fibers, and resins crucial for manufacturing sectors. East African chemical producers leverage acetone’s reactivity and solvent characteristics under controlled conditions to optimize yields and product quality.

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

Benefits and Advantages

Versatile Solvent Properties

Acetone’s unique polar and nonpolar solvent capabilities allow it to dissolve diverse materials—from synthetic polymers to oils—making it invaluable in multiple industries. This versatility reduces the need for purchasing multiple specialized solvents, streamlining inventory and cutting costs.

Rapid Evaporation for Efficiency

Acetone evaporates quickly at room temperature, enabling fast drying times in paint thinning and cleaning applications. This characteristic accelerates manufacturing cycles and reduces downtime in facilities, enhancing operational efficiency.

Wide Regional Availability

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies acetone across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, ensuring reliable logistics and consistent stock levels. This local presence means shorter lead times and competitive pricing, supporting uninterrupted industrial operations.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Given its roles in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, acetone supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd conforms to required purity and quality standards. Buyers can confirm specifications before ordering, assuring formulation integrity and regulatory compliance.

Packaging Information

Acetone is supplied in user-friendly packaging suitable for diverse industrial needs. Available container sizes include 5-liter plastic containers, 20-liter drums, and 200-liter steel drums. These packagings support both small-scale operations and bulk industrial usage common in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Zenco Systems Ltd facilitates cross-border delivery and safe handling compliance, accommodating client demands with scalable supply options.

Standard formats: 5L plastic containers, 20L drums, 200L steel drums

Storage and Handling

Acetone must be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources due to its high flammability and volatility. Use compatible containers such as steel or plastic drums resistant to ketone solvents. Avoid heat and direct sunlight exposure to maintain stability and safety. Shelf life is generally stable if kept sealed, but confirm with supplier as degradation may occur under improper storage. Handling requires grounding and bonding to prevent static discharge in transfer operations.

Safety Information

Acetone is highly flammable and can cause irritation to eyes and skin upon contact. Personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing is recommended during handling. Avoid inhalation of vapors as they can cause dizziness or respiratory discomfort. In case of skin contact, wash with water; if inhaled, move to fresh air immediately. Dispose of chemical waste according to local environmental regulations. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for comprehensive safety protocols.

Full hazard detail is available in the technical data sheet.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.7845 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H6O
Packaging5L plastic containers, 20L drums, 200L steel 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, ventilated, away from ignition sources

Applications

  • Paint thinning
  • Industrial cleaning
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Cosmetic formulations
  • Chemical synthesis

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.7845 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H6O
Packaging5L plastic containers, 20L drums, 200L steel 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, ventilated, away from ignition sources

Product Features

  • - Colorless transparent liquid
  • - High volatility and rapid evaporation
  • - Miscible with water and organic solvents
  • - Flammable with low flash point
  • - Excellent solvent for plastics and resins

Industries Served

  • - Manufacturing
  • - Pharmaceuticals
  • - Cosmetics
  • - Automotive
  • - Chemical production

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About Acetone

What is acetone primarily used for in industry?

Acetone is mainly used as a solvent for paint thinning, degreasing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, cosmetic products, and chemical synthesis across various industrial sectors.

What packaging sizes are available for acetone at Zenco Systems Ltd?

Acetone is available in 5L plastic containers, 20L drums, and 200L steel drums, accommodating both small-scale and bulk industrial requirements in East Africa.

Is acetone supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd suitable for pharmaceutical use?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd offers acetone with quality and purity specifications that meet pharmaceutical industry standards; buyers should confirm purity levels upon ordering.

How should acetone be stored to maintain safety and quality?

Store acetone in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat or ignition sources, using compatible containers like steel or specific plastics designed for ketones.

Can Zenco Systems Ltd supply acetone outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd distributes acetone across East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, leveraging a reliable supply chain for cross-border deliveries.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when handling acetone?

Recommended PPE includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact; adequate ventilation is also critical.

Does acetone have a long shelf life?

If properly sealed and stored away from heat and contaminants, acetone generally maintains quality for an extended period, but buyers should confirm shelf life when ordering.

Is acetone hazardous to transport in bulk volumes?

Acetone's flammability requires adherence to strict transport regulations, including proper labeling, secure packaging, and avoiding ignition sources during handling.

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