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Difference Between Acetone and Bleach
Acetone and bleach are two widely used chemical substances that have different chemical properties, uses, and effects. Both substances have important roles in various fields such as medicine, industry, and household cleaning. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive description of the differences between acetone and bleach, including their chemical composition, properties, uses, and potential dangers.
What is Acetone?
This is a volatile, colorless as well as a flammable liquid. It is the smallest and simplest ketone and is miscible with water. It is used as a solvent, consumed as acetone cyanohydrin as well as a precursor to methyl methacrylate. As a solvent, it dissolves synthetic fibers as well as plastics, while also acting as a thinner for polyester resin. It is also used in varnishes and paints as one of the volatile ingredients. In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s used as a solvent and as a denaturant in denatured alcohol. It is also used in the beauty industry as a nail polish remover, superglue remover and skin adhesive remover on artificial hair.
Acetone occurs in animals, plants, vehicle exhaust, forest fires, volcanic gases, etc.
Acetone occurs in the human body in small quantities. After prolonged starvation or diet the stock of carbohydrates in the body is depleted and the fat is decomposed, which leads to the production of acetone. As a result, the so-called “acetone breath” occurs. More severe cases result in ketoacidosis, which is also one of the symptoms of diabetes.
Inhaled acetone vapor causes dizziness and intoxication. Acetone dissolves fats very well, so it causes dry and cracked skin.
The molecular weight of acetone is 58.08 g/mol. Its vapors are two times heavier than air. The density of acetone related to water is 0.8 (water = 1). It is stable under the recommended storage conditions.
Acetone’s boiling point is 56°C, and its melting point is -95°C. Auto-ignition occurs at 465°C.
What is Bleach?
The advent of chlorine-based bleaches began in 1785 when Claude Berthollet, a French chemist, realized that chlorine could be used in whitening fabrics. The first commercial bleach was also produced by Berthollet when he formulated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and he named it “Eau de Javel” or “Javel Water” which was the town where it was first manufactured. An alternative for Eu de Javel, calcium hypochlorite, was initiated by Charles Tennant, a Scottish chemist in 1798, who also patented bleaching powder a year later. A related milestone in medical practice is attributed to Labarraque, a French chemist, when he proposed the deodorizing and disinfecting utilization of hypochlorites for sanitation in hospitals as well as in industries.
Bleach often refers to a solution of sodium hypochlorite which is used for whitening, lightening, and cleaning purposes. This chemical product is not only for fabrics but also for hair, water, and various kinds of surfaces. Its sanitation effect is also suitable for removing molds and killing weeds. Generally, bleaches are currently classified as chlorine-based, peroxide-based, or sulfur dioxide based.
Differences: Acetone and Bleach
One of the key differences between acetone and bleach is their chemical properties. Acetone is a relatively simple organic compound that is highly reactive with other organic materials, which makes it an excellent solvent for many substances such as paints, resins, and adhesives. Acetone is also highly flammable and can be used as a fuel in some industries. Bleach, on the other hand, is a more complex chemical compound that is highly reactive with many organic and inorganic substances. Bleach is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning that it can break down many chemical bonds and change the properties of many substances.
Another significant difference between acetone and bleach is their uses. Acetone is used primarily as a solvent in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and textiles. It is also used in the production of many consumer products such as nail polish remover, cleaning agents, and paint thinners. Acetone has some medical uses, such as removing excess earwax and disinfecting medical instruments. Bleach, on the other hand, is mainly used as a disinfectant and a whitening agent in the household cleaning industry. It is effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi and is commonly used to clean and disinfect surfaces in homes, hospitals, and other facilities.
Despite their many uses, both acetone and bleach can be dangerous if not handled properly. Acetone is highly flammable and can ignite if exposed to heat or sparks. It is also a strong irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system and can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea if inhaled or ingested. Bleach is also hazardous if not handled correctly. It is a powerful irritant to the skin and eyes and can cause severe burns and tissue damage if inhaled or ingested. Bleach should never be mixed with other cleaning agents, as this can produce toxic fumes that can be harmful or even fatal.
Characteristics |
Acetone |
Bleach |
|---|---|---|
Year Discovered |
Acetone’s empirical formula was discovered in 1832 by Dumas and Liebig. |
Chlorine-based bleaches began earlier in 1785 when Berthollet prosed its use for whitening fabrics. |
Nature |
Acetone is an organic compound found in human blood and urine. |
Bleach is an inorganic chemical product. |
Formula |
The formula of acetone is (CH3)2CO |
The formula of chlorine-based bleach, the most common classification is NaOCl. |
Household Use |
Acetone is most often associated with removing nail polish and mixed with paint as a thinner. |
Bleach in various brand names is generally for whitening fabric, removing stains, and lightening the color of differing surfaces. |
Flammable |
Acetone is defined as a flammable liquid while bleach is not flammable on its own. |
Bleach can form explosive compounds when combined with acetylene, ammonia, or similar materials. |
Classification |
Acetone has no such classification as it does not have differing active agents. |
Bleach has three classes: chlorine- based, peroxide-based, and sulfur dioxide based. |
Toxicology |
As compared to bleach, acetone poses less danger when ingested as the worst reported case was systemic toxicity with the patent being able to fully recover. It can also cause eye or skin irritation. |
Ingestion of bleaches can lead to esophageal and stomach damage and even possibly worsening to death. Also, one’s lungs can be damaged after inhaling bleach fumes. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, acetone and bleach are two chemical substances that have different chemical properties, uses, and potential dangers. Acetone is a simple organic compound that is highly reactive and used primarily as a solvent in various industries. Bleach, on the other hand, is a more complex chemical compound that is highly reactive with many organic and inorganic substances. Bleach is a strong oxidizing agent, meaning that it can break down many chemical bonds and change the properties of many substances.
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