What is the difference between ethanol and acetone?

Absolute ethanol (ethanol) and acetone are two compounds commonly found in the chemical industry that, while they share some similarities, are also significantly different. In order to accurately use these substances in professional fields, it is essential to understand their differences. This article will analyze the difference between anhydrous ethanol and acetone from multiple perspectives to help readers better understand their properties and applications.

1. Basic Definitions and Physical Properties

1. Anhydrous Ethanol (Ethanol) Anhydrous ethanol is a colorless, odorless, easy-to-evaporate liquid with a chemical formula of C₂ H∞OH and a molecular weight of 46.07g/mol. It is a common alcohol with a low boiling point (78.5°C) and is liquid at room temperature. Anhydrous ethanol is widely used in industry and family life, such as solvent, disinfectant, etc.

2. Acetone Acetone is a colorless, odorless organic compound with a chemical formula of (COCH₂) and a molecular weight of 58.12g/mol. It is a diketone compound with a high boiling point (49.2°C) and a density of 0.785g/cm³. Acetone plays an important role in organic synthesis and is commonly used in the manufacture of plastics, pharmaceuticals and solvents.

2. Physical Properties Comparison

1. Boiling Point Absolute ethanol has a low boiling point (78.5°C) and is suitable for separation by distillation and other methods. The boiling point of acetone is lower (49.2°C), but slightly higher than that of anhydrous ethanol, which may affect some applications.

2. Density Anhydrous ethanol has a density of 0.789g/cm³, while acetone has a density of 0.785g/cm³. The densities are similar, but acetone is slightly lower, which may affect its behavior in liquids in some cases.

3. molecular weight The molecular weight of anhydrous ethanol is 46.07g/mol, while the molecular weight of acetone is 58.12g/mol. Acetone has a larger molecular weight and may dominate in some reactions.

3. Chemical Properties Comparison

1. Solubility Absolute ethanol is about 50% soluble in water and is a good solvent. Acetone has a low solubility in water (about 10%), so it exists mainly in organic form in aqueous solution.

2. Reactivity Anhydrous ethanol is easy to participate in the redox reaction and has strong reducibility. Acetone is relatively stable and generally does not participate in redox reactions except under specific conditions.

4. Application Fields Comparison

1. Industrial Applications Anhydrous ethanol has a wide range of applications in the food, pharma and pharmaceutical industries, such as as a solvent and disinfectant. Acetone is used in organic synthesis, such as the manufacture of plastics and pharmaceuticals.

2. Laboratory Applications Anhydrous ethanol is commonly used in laboratories as a solvent and disinfectant. Acetone is used in chemical experiments, as a solvent or catalyst.

5. Considerations

1. Storage and transportation Anhydrous ethanol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place to avoid exposure to the sun. Acetone needs to be stored in a high temperature and high humidity environment to avoid decomposition.

2. safety and protection Wear protective equipment when using anhydrous ethanol, especially when in contact with skin. Acetone is also required to wear protective equipment, especially in case of eye contact.

Summary

There are significant differences between absolute ethanol and acetone in physical properties, chemical properties and application fields. Anhydrous ethanol has low boiling point, high solubility and wide industrial applications, while acetone is valued for its high molecular weight, low density and important role in organic synthesis. Understanding these differences helps chemical practitioners select the right substances to improve production efficiency and safety. Through the analysis of this paper, I hope readers can better grasp the difference between anhydrous ethanol and acetone, so as to make the right choice in practical work.