Description

Acetone (chemical formula C₃H₆O) is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet odor. It is one of the simplest ketones and is widely used as a solvent in various industrial and laboratory applications. Acetone is highly miscible with water, ethanol, and ether, and is a common solvent for cleaning and degreasing. It is also known for its use in the preparation of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and coatings.

Common Uses in a Biology Lab

• Solvent for Laboratory Reagents: Acetone is frequently used as a solvent for dissolving a wide range of organic compounds, including fats, oils, and resins. It is particularly useful in preparing solutions for experiments and in dissolving laboratory chemicals.
• Cleaning Agent: Acetone is used to clean laboratory glassware, particularly when removing grease, oils, and other contaminants. It is effective at removing residues from surfaces without leaving behind significant traces of solvent.
• Fixation and Preservation: Acetone is used as a fixative for tissue samples in histology and cytology, as it can preserve cell morphology and structure. It is often used in combination with other chemicals for sample preparation before staining or analysis.
• Extraction of Lipids: Acetone is commonly used in the extraction of lipids and other hydrophobic compounds from biological samples. It is used in various extraction protocols in cell biology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry.
• Protein Denaturation: Acetone is occasionally used to precipitate proteins in biochemical applications, where it helps in removing non-protein contaminants and concentrating proteins.

Safety Hazards

• Flammability: Acetone is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. It should be kept away from open flames, sparks, or high temperatures.
• Toxicity: Inhalation of acetone vapors can lead to dizziness, headaches, and respiratory irritation. Prolonged exposure can cause damage to the central nervous system and other adverse health effects.
• Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact with acetone can cause skin dryness, irritation, and defatting. It can also irritate the eyes and cause redness or discomfort. Prolonged exposure may result in more severe effects.
• Vapor Inhalation Risk: Acetone vapors can irritate the respiratory tract and cause symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and dizziness. High concentrations may lead to more severe respiratory issues.
• Environmental Impact: Acetone is toxic to aquatic life and should be disposed of carefully to avoid contamination of water sources.

Handling

• PPE: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat when handling acetone. If there is a risk of splashing, use a face shield.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume hood to minimize exposure to acetone vapors. Acetone should not be inhaled, and proper ventilation is essential when working with larger quantities.
• Storage: Store acetone in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. It should be kept away from sources of heat, flames, and direct sunlight. Acetone should not be stored near oxidizing agents.
• Disposal: Dispose of acetone according to local hazardous waste disposal regulations. It should not be disposed of down the drain or in general waste. Residues should be collected in properly labeled waste containers for safe disposal.