Difference Between Acetone and Benzaldehyde

Acetone and benzaldehyde are two commonly used organic compounds with distinct chemical and physical properties. Both of these compounds are important in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. In this essay, we will explore the differences between acetone and benzaldehyde, including their structures, properties, and uses.

What is Acetone?

Acetone (dimethyl ketone, propanone) is a chemical compound, a colorless, highly flammable, volatile liquid, with a characteristic odor. It is the simplest ketone.

• The chemical formula of acetone is C3H6O. Its molecular weight is 58.08 g/mol.

• The vapors of the acetone are heavier than air and their density related to air is 2.0 (air = 1). Acetone is less dense than water and its density related to water is 0.8 (water = 1).

• Under the recommended storage conditions acetone is a stable compound. Its boiling point is 56°C and its melting point is -95°C. Auto-ignition occurs at 465°C.

• Acetone dissolves well in water. It dissolves a number of polar and non-polar organic substances as well as inorganic ones. This property determines one of the most important uses of acetone – as a solvent for varnishes, plastics, adhesives, etc.

• Acetone vapors are toxic. They have a narcotic effect and affect the central nervous system.

• One of the important peculiarities of the acetone is its ability to accumulate in the body, thereby increasing its concentration. As a final effect of such accumulation, chronic poisoning can occur.

• Acetone occurs in the human body, as a breakdown product of fat metabolism. It occurs in plants, animals, vehicle exhaust, volcanic gases, forest fires, etc.

• Under normal circumstances, acetone is found in small amounts in the urine and blood. After long-term fasting or diet, the carbohydrate reserve in the body is depleted, the fat is decomposed, which results in the production of acetone and the occurrence of the so- called “acetone breath”.

• Acetone occurs in larger amounts in the blood and urine of diabetics. Higher concentrations of acetone in the body result in ketoacidosis, which is one of the symptoms of diabetes.

Acetone is used as a solvent in a variety of organic reactions, as a drying agent, and to precipitate proteins. It is used in medicine and cosmetics, for acne treatments to peel dry skin. It is widely used nail polish remover. Acetone is also used as a food additive – flavoring agent. It is used in the production of paints and coatings. It is often used as a primary component in cleaning agents.

What is Benzaldehyde?

Benzaldehyde is an oily, colorless to yellow liquid with an almond odor. It is an aromatic aldehyde with a single formyl group. It is contained in the stones of bitter almonds, peaches, cherries, etc. It can occasionally be found in human urine.

• The chemical formula is of benzaldehyde is C6H5CHO. Its molecular weight is

  106.124 g/mol.

• The vapors of the benzaldehyde are heavier than air, its vapor density related to air is

  3.66 (air = 1). It is slightly denser than water, its density related to water is 1.05 (water = 1).

• Benzaldehyde is a reactive liquid and becomes yellowish on keeping. Its boiling point is 178.7°C and its melting point is -57°C. Auto-ignition occurs at 192°C.

• Benzaldehyde is insoluble in water and soluble in liquid ammonia.

• Benzaldehyde can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Prolonged contact with skin can cause skin irritation. Contact with eyes causes serious eye irritation.

Benzaldehyde can be obtained from various natural sources. It is widely used by the chemical industry in the production of flavorings, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes. It is also used in the preparation of different aniline dyes, in water treatment, and in the production of fuels and fuel additives.

Differences: Acetone and Benzaldehyde

Structural Differences − Acetone, also known as propanone, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O, and its structure consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to two methyl groups (CH3). Acetone is a member of the ketone family of organic compounds.

Benzaldehyde, on the other hand, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C7H6O. Its structure consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) attached to a formyl group (CHO). Benzaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde and is commonly used in the synthesis of fragrances, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.

Physical Differences − One of the main physical differences between acetone and benzaldehyde is their boiling points. Acetone has a boiling point of 56.1°C, while benzaldehyde has a boiling point of 179.1°C. This means that benzaldehyde is much more volatile than acetone and requires a higher temperature to evaporate.

Another physical difference is their solubility in water. Acetone is highly soluble in water, while benzaldehyde is only slightly soluble. This difference is due to the polar nature of acetone, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, whereas benzaldehyde is nonpolar and does not interact with water molecules in the same way.

Chemical Differences − Acetone and benzaldehyde also have different chemical properties. Acetone is a relatively stable compound that does not react with most organic and inorganic compounds. However, it can be oxidized to form acetone peroxide, a highly unstable and explosive compound.

Benzaldehyde, on the other hand, is a reactive compound that undergoes a wide range of chemical reactions. It can be oxidized to form benzoic acid, reduced to form benzyl alcohol, and used in condensation reactions to form a variety of aromatic compounds. One of the most important reactions of benzaldehyde is its ability to undergo the Cannizzaro reaction, which involves the simultaneous oxidation and reduction of two molecules of benzaldehyde to form benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid.

Uses − Acetone is commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.

The following table highlights the major differences between Acetone and Benzaldehyde −

Conclusion

Acetone vapors are toxic. They have a narcotic effect and affect the central nervous system. One of the important peculiarities of the acetone is its ability to accumulate in the body, thereby increasing its concentration. As a final effect of such accumulation, chronic poisoning can occur.

Benzaldehyde can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Prolonged contact with skin can cause skin irritation. Contact with eyes causes serious eye irritation.

Vineet Nanda

Updated on: 30-Mar-2023

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