Acetone: Uses, Flammability and Safety Data Sheet Basics

Acetone, systematically named propan-2-one (CAS 67-64-1), is the simplest ketone and one of the most common industrial solvents. It is a clear, colourless, fast-evaporating liquid that mixes completely with water and with most organic solvents. It is also made in the human body in small amounts, and it occurs naturally in plants, but in trade quantities it is a seriously flammable chemical.

Main uses of acetone

• Solvent for paints, lacquers, varnishes, resins and adhesives.
• Industrial and electronics cleaning, degreasing metal parts and removing flux and uncured resin.
• Chemical intermediate, mainly in making methyl methacrylate (for acrylic glass) and bisphenol A.
• Personal care, in nail-polish remover and some cosmetic products.
• Pharmaceutical processing, as a process solvent and for extraction and crystallisation.
• Fibreglass and composite work, for cleaning tools before resin cures.
• Laboratories, for rinsing glassware and as an analytical solvent.

Flammability: the property that drives the SDS

Acetone has a very low flash point, around minus 20 degrees Celsius, and a boiling point near 56 degrees. That means it gives off enough vapour to ignite at temperatures well below freezing. Vapour is heavier than air and can travel along floors to distant ignition sources. Acetone is classified as a highly flammable liquid (category 2, H225), and its mixtures with air are explosive across a wide range, roughly 2.5 to 13 percent by volume.

This is why Section 7 and Section 8 of an acetone SDS insist on grounding and bonding containers during transfer, using explosion-proof electrical equipment, banning smoking and open flames, and using non-sparking tools. Fire-fighting information in Section 5 should recommend alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Our guide to flash point explains how this number determines your category.

Health hazards

The harmonised classification adds serious eye irritation (H319) and may cause drowsiness or dizziness (H336), with a repeated-exposure statement EUH066 for dry or cracked skin. Acetone is not generally considered highly toxic, but vapour at high concentration depresses the central nervous system and irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. The signal word is Danger, with flame (GHS02) and exclamation mark (GHS07) pictograms. Exposure limits are set in many countries, so check the occupational limit applicable where your product is used.

Storage and compatibility

Keep acetone in tightly closed, grounded metal or compatible plastic containers in a cool, ventilated area designated for flammables, away from ignition sources and from strong oxidisers, acids such as nitric and sulfuric acid, and chloroform in the presence of bases, which can react vigorously. Acetone attacks many plastics and rubbers, including polystyrene and some seal materials, so confirm compatibility for hoses and gaskets. Quantity limits for flammable liquid storage apply in most jurisdictions, so check local fire code.

Documents and transport

Acetone is a Class 3 flammable liquid for transport, usually packing group II. Check the current UN number with your carrier. Its SDS must state flash point, boiling point, vapour pressure and explosive limits in Section 9, which are the numbers carriers, insurers and warehouse operators look at first. You can see the harmonised classification we hold on the acetone page. Compare it with other solvents in our guide to isopropanol and ethanol.