Remarks:
An important industrial use for acetone involves its reaction with phenol to produce bisphenol A, which is a valuable component of many polymers, such as polycarbonates, polyurethanes, and epoxy resins.
Another industrial application involves its use as a general purpose cleaner in paint and ink manufacturing operations.
Acetone is also used extensively for the safe transport and storage of acetylene. Vessels containing a porous material are first filled with acetone followed by acetylene, which dissolves into the acetone. One liter of acetone can dissolve around 250 liters of acetylene.
It is often the primary (or only) component in nail polish remover.
It is also used as a superglue remover.
It can be used for thinning and cleaning fiberglass resins and epoxies, and it is highly effective in removing stains by permanent markers.
It can be used as an agent in art work. When rubbed on the back of any laser print or laser photocopy, it produces a rough ready effect.
It has been used in the manufacture of cordite.
It is a strong solvent for most plastics and synthetic fibers.
It is used as a drying agent, as it is readily miscible with water and is volatile.
In the laboratory, acetone is used as a polar aprotic solvent (solvent that does not release hydrogen ions) in a variety of organic reactions.
