Acetone, or propanone, is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2CO. It is a colourless, highly volatile and flammable liquid with a characteristic pungent odour.
Acetone is miscible with water and serves as an important organic solvent in its own right, in industry, home, and laboratory. Familiar household uses of acetone are as the active ingredient in nail polish remover and as paint thinner.
It evaporates easily, is flammable, and dissolves in water. It is also called dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, and beta-ketopropane. Acetone is used to make plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals. It is also used to dissolve other substances. Used as a solvent in paint and nail polish removers.
Acetone is toxic in high doses. (NCI04)