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Difference Between Acetone and Chloroform
Acetone and Chloroform are both organic compounds, but they differ in their chemical structure, physical properties, and applications. In this essay, we will discuss the differences between acetone and chloroform.
What is Acetone?
Acetone is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid that has a sweet, fruity odor. It is the simplest ketone, consisting of three carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. It has the chemical formula CH3COCH3 and a molar mass of 58.08 g/mol. Acetone is highly soluble in water, ethanol, and ether, but insoluble in oil and grease.
Small amounts of acetone are produced in the human body. Prolonged fasting, diabetes or alcoholism can lead to a significant increase of the acetone in the blood and the so-called acetone breadth.
In industry, acetone is produced from propylene, directly or indirectly. The most common method for its production is the cumene process.
Acetone is most commonly used as a solvent, for cleaning tools, thinning polyester resin, in paints and varnishes. It is used as a degreaser in the preparation of metal prior to painting. Acetone is used in medical and cosmetic applications and in food additives. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an excipient in some drugs and in the denaturant in denatured alcohol. It is often the primary component in cleaning agents and nail polish remover. Acetone is used as a solvent for the safe transportation and storage of acetylene. It is used to synthesize methyl methacrylate.
Inhalation of acetone vapor causes intoxication and dizziness. It causes dry and cracked skin. The oral LD50 for mice is 3000 mg/kg.
The molar mass of acetone is 58.08 g/mol. Its density at 25°C is 0.7845 g/cm3. Its melting point is −94.7 °C, its boiling point is 56.05 °C. The acetone is highly flammable. Its flash point is −20 °C, its autoignition temperature is 465 °C.
What is Chloroform?
Chloroform, on the other hand, is a colorless, dense, and non-flammable liquid that has a slightly sweet odor. It is a trihalomethane, consisting of one carbon atom, three chlorine atoms, and one hydrogen atom. Its chemical formula is CHCl3, and its molar mass is 119.38 g/mol. Chloroform is relatively insoluble in water, but it is highly soluble in organic solvents like ether and benzene.
Chloroform is produced from methane or chloromethane and chlorine at high temperatures (400– 500 °C).
Chloroform is used in the production of polytetrafluoroethylene and tetrafluoroethylene (precursor to Teflon), in pesticides, as a solvent for resins, rubber, oils, fats, gutta-percha, waxes, alkaloids, etc. It is commonly used in chromatography and spectroscopy. In the past, it was widely used as an anesthetic. Before the Montreal Protocol for protection of the ozone layer, chlorodifluoromethane was a popular refrigerant.
Chloroform dissolves fats well, and dermal exposure can result in the development of sores. When ingested or inhaled, chloroform affects the central nervous system, causing coma and depression of the respiratory center. The LD50 for mice (dermal) is 704 mg/kg. The lethal oral dose for a human is estimated at about 45 g for an adult.
The molar mass of chloroform is 119.37 g/mol. Its density at 25°C is 1.489 g/cm3. The melting point of chloroform is −63.5 °C, and it decomposes at 450 °C. Its boiling point is 61.15°C.
Differences: Acetone and Chloroform
The physical properties of acetone and chloroform also differ. Acetone has a boiling point of 56.05°C and a melting point of -95.4°C. It is a highly volatile liquid with a vapor pressure of 233 mmHg at 20°C. Its density is 0.79 g/mL at 20°C. Acetone is a polar solvent with a dipole moment of 2.88 D.
Chloroform has a boiling point of 61.15°C and a melting point of -63.5°C. It is a dense liquid with a vapor pressure of 160 mmHg at 20°C. Its density is 1.49 g/mL at 20°C. Chloroform is a non-polar solvent with a dipole moment of 1.03 D.
Acetone and chloroform have different applications. Acetone is widely used as a solvent for organic compounds, plastics, fibers, and resins. It is also used as a nail polish remover, a paint thinner, and a cleaning agent. In the laboratory, it is used to extract DNA and RNA from tissues and cells.
Chloroform, on the other hand, is used as a solvent for fats, oils, waxes, and resins. It is also used as an anesthetic in medical procedures, although its use has been limited due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Chloroform is also used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes.
Characteristics |
Acetone |
Chloroform |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Acetone: Acetone (propanone or dimethyl ketone) is an organic compound, volatile, highly flammable, colorless liquid, with a typical odor. |
Chloroform: Chloroform (trichloromethane), is an organic compound, colorless, dense, sweet- smelling liquid. |
Chemical formula |
C3H6O |
CHCl3 |
History |
Acetone: Acetone was firstly synthesized during the late Middle Ages by alchemists. |
Chloroform: Chloroform was produced independently by different researchers in 1831. |
Biosynthesis |
Small amounts of acetone are produced in the human body. Prolonged fasting, diabetes or alcoholism can lead to a significant increase of the acetone in the blood and the so-called acetone breadth. |
Some seaweed species and fungi produce chloroform. |
Production |
In industry, acetone is produced from propylene, directly or indirectly. The most common method for its production is the cumene process. |
Chloroform is produced from methane or chloromethane and chlorine at high temperatures (400–500 °C). |
Use |
Acetone is most commonly used as a solvent, degreaser, in medical and cosmetic applications, and in food additives. It is often the primary component in cleaning agents and nail polish remover. |
Chloroform is used in the production of polytetrafluoroethylene and tetrafluoroethylene, in pesticides, as a solvent for resins, rubber, oils, fats, gutta-percha, waxes, alkaloids, in chromatography, spectroscopy, etc. |
Toxicity |
Inhalation of acetone vapor causes intoxication and dizziness. It causes dry and cracked skin. The oral LD50 for mice is 3000 mg/kg. |
When ingested or inhaled, chloroform affects the central nervous system, causing coma and depression of the respiratory center. Dermal exposure can result in the development of sores. The LD50 for mice (dermal) is 704mg/kg. |
Molar mass |
The molar mass of acetone is 58.08 g/mol. |
The molar mass of chloroform is 119.37 g/mol. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, acetone and chloroform differ in their chemical structure, physical properties, and applications. Acetone is a polar, volatile, and flammable liquid that is widely used as a solvent and cleaning agent, while chloroform is a non-polar, dense, and toxic liquid that is used as a solvent and anesthetic. Despite their differences, both compounds have important industrial and scientific applications.
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