The common name for CH3COCH3 is acetone. Its IUPAC (systematic) name is propanone, and it is also occasionally referred to as dimethyl ketone. Acetone is the simplest and smallest ketone, and it is one of the most widely used industrial solvents in the world.
Why Is CH3COCH3 Called Propanone?
Following IUPAC nomenclature rules for ketones, the name is built from the three-carbon chain (propan-) plus the ketone suffix (-one), since the carbonyl group (C=O) sits on the middle carbon of the three-carbon chain. This systematic naming is what distinguishes "propanone" from the everyday name "acetone," which comes from an older, non-systematic naming tradition still in common industrial and commercial use today.
Acetone Physical Properties (CAS No. 67-64-1)
Acetone is a colorless, transparent liquid at room temperature with a slightly sweet, pungent odor. It is fully miscible with water, methanol, ethanol, ether, chloroform, and pyridine, and it readily dissolves oils, fats, resins, and rubbers. It also dissolves cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, which is part of why it is such an important volatile organic solvent across multiple industries.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Acetone |
| IUPAC Name | Propanone |
| CAS Number | 67-64-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₆O |
| Molecular Weight | 58.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, transparent liquid |
| Odor | Sweet, pungent |
| Density | 0.791 g/mL at 20°C |
| Boiling Point | 56.05°C (132.89°F) |
| Melting Point | −94.7°C (−138.5°F) |
| Flash Point | −20°C (−4°F) |
| Vapor Pressure | 182 mmHg at 20°C |
| Vapor Density | 2.0 (vs. air) |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, ethanol, and ether |
| Refractive Index | 1.358 (at 20°C) |
| pH | Neutral, typically ~7 |
| Critical Temperature | 235.0°C |
| Critical Pressure | 4.7 MPa |
| Viscosity | 0.32 mPa·s at 25°C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 465°C (869°F) |
Common Applications of Acetone
Because of its strong solvency and fast evaporation, acetone is widely used as a solvent for coatings, adhesives, and cellulose-based plastics, as a cleaning agent for metal surfaces and electronic components (see our detailed guide on acetone for cleaning metal), and as a key raw material in the production of other chemicals such as methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A.
FAQ
What is the common name for CH3COCH3?
Acetone.
What is the IUPAC name for CH3COCH3?
Propanone.
Is CH3COCH3 the same as dimethyl ketone?
Yes - dimethyl ketone is an older alternative name for the same compound, though "acetone" remains the most widely used common name.
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Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. supplies industrial-grade acetone (CAS 67-64-1, 99.9% purity) that meets national quality standards, packaged in drums to ensure safe transportation and stable quality. For more information about acetone applications, specifications, or a quotation, please contact us.
