General information

Ketones are chemical compounds that contain a non-terminal carbonyl group (>C=O) as a functional group. Low molecular weight ketones are colorless, mobile liquids and soluble in water due to the polarity of the carbonyl group. They are characterized by a mostly pleasant, fruity smell. Higher molecular weight ketones, on the other hand, are solid substances.

Areas of application

Important ketones include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and cyclohexanone.

Acetone plays an important role in the chemical industry. It is the starting material for numerous syntheses, especially in the manufacture of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In addition, acetone is used as a solvent for resins, fats and oils and cellulose acetate. Acetone is also used in the cosmetics industry, so many nail polish removers contain it.

Along with acetone, MEK is one of the most important industrially used ketones. Like acetone, it serves as a solvent for a large number of plastics, resins and paints. MEK is also used to dewax lubricating oils, to degrease metal surfaces and to extract fats and oils from natural resins.

Since MEK has a boiling point similar to ethanol, it has been used in Germany since 1962 as the main denaturant for ethanol.

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