High-Purity Solvents, Ketones

Acetophenone

Acetophenone, identified by the CAS number 98-86-2, is the simplest aromatic ketone, characterized by a sweet, almond-like floral odor and its presence in various natural sources like coal tar and essential oils. As a versatile organic building block, it serves as a critical intermediate in the synthesis of numerous chemicals across the pharmaceutical, fragrance, and agricultural industries. Its chemical structure consists of a methyl group attached to a phenyl ring via a carbonyl bridge, providing unique reactivity for various substitution and reduction reactions. In the flavor and fragrance sector, it is highly valued for imparting cherry, honeysuckle, and jasmine notes. Furthermore, acetophenone plays a pivotal role in the production of resins, specialty plastics, and as a solvent in cellulose ethers. Its industrial importance is bolstered by its moderate volatility and excellent solubility in organic solvents, making it a foundational component in modern synthetic chemistry and large-scale manufacturing processes globally today.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Excellent solubility in alcohols, ethers, fixed oils, and chloroform.
Distinctive floral, cherry-like aroma highly desired for flavoring applications.
High purity standards ensure consistent industrial performance and reliable outcomes.
High thermal stability suitable for diverse and rigorous chemical reactions.
Effective solvent properties for cellulose-based materials and synthetic resins.
Versatile chemical reactivity specifically for Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation.
Naturally occurring profile allows for the creation of bio-based derivatives.
Low viscosity facilitates easy handling, precise mixing, and efficient pumping.
Cost-effective building block essential for large-scale commercial chemical production.
Reliable intermediate for complex pharmaceutical molecule synthesis and drug development.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C8H8O with a precise molecular weight of 120.15 g/mol.
Boiling point approximately 202 degrees Celsius at standard atmospheric pressure levels.
Melting point of 20 degrees Celsius, often appearing as a clear liquid.
Flash point of 77 degrees Celsius, officially classified as a combustible liquid.
Specific gravity of 1.03 g/cm3 measured at standard room temperature conditions.
Vapor pressure measures exactly 0.4 mmHg at 25 degrees Celsius environment.
Refractive index typically ranges from 1.532 to 1.535 for quality verification.
Synthesis via ethylbenzene oxidation or classical Friedel-Crafts acylation synthesis processes.
Stable under normal storage conditions but highly reactive with strong oxidizers.
Exhibits typical ketone reactivity including efficient reduction to secondary 1-phenylethanol alcohols.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Synthesis of essential pharmaceuticals like anticonvulsants, antihistamines, and specialized sedatives.
Primary fragrance agent in soaps, household detergents, and high-end fine perfumes.
Flavoring component for various beverages, chewing gums, and confectionery sweets items.
Precursor for resin production, specifically used in styrene-based engineering plastics.
Catalyst for polymerization processes in specialty high-performance polymer manufacturing industries.
Efficient solvent for cellulose ethers, nitrocellulose, and various industrial coating formulations.
Intermediate for agricultural chemicals including potent pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
Used extensively in the production of specialized resins, varnishes, and lacquers.
Laboratory reagent for advanced organic synthesis and educational school chemistry demonstrations.
Flavor additive in tobacco products to enhance complex flavor and aroma profiles.