Acetophenone appears as a colorless liquid with a sweet pungent taste and odor resembling the odor of oranges. Freezes under cool conditions. Slightly soluble in water and denser than water. Hence sinks in water. Vapor heavier than air. A mild irritant to skin and eyes. Vapors can be narcotic in high concentrations. Used as a flavoring, solvent, and polymerization catalyst. Acetophenone is a methyl ketone that is acetone in which one of the methyl groups has been replaced by a phenyl group. It has a role as a photosensitizing agent, an animal metabolite and a xenobiotic.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Molecular FormulaC8H8O
Density:1.03g/cm³g/cm³
Boiling Point:202℃
Solubility:
Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, benzene and chloroform, insoluble in glycerol.
Molecular Weight:120.1g/mol
Flash Point:77℃
Melting Point:20℃
Uses
Fragrance and daily chemicals: Used in the formulation of hawthorn, jasmine and soap fragrances. Widely applied as a fixative in soaps, cosmetics and tobacco flavors.
Organic synthesis intermediate: Used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs, pesticides, resins and other fine chemicals, such as phenylacetic acid, phenylacetone, etc.
Solvent and plasticizer: Used as a solvent for cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, vinyl resins, alkyd resins, etc., and also in the production of plastic plasticizers.
Other fields: Laboratory reagent, solvent for organic synthesis reactions, intermediate for flavors and fragrances, etc.
Safety, Security & Risk
Reacts with oxidizing materials and strong bases,Risk of fire or explosion.