Difference Between Acetone and Xylene

Acetone and xylene are two organic solvents commonly used in various industrial and scientific applications. They differ in their chemical structure, physical properties, and uses. In this essay, we will discuss the difference between acetone and xylene.

What is Acetone?

Acetone is considered to be one of the ketone molecules which has the formula of C3H6O or CH3COCH3.

Properties − Acetone is commonly present as a colorless liquid substance which also has a molecule weight of about 58.08 g/mol. The smell of acetone is quite distinctive to most people since it smells a lot like fruit. It is also a flammable substance that needs to be handled with care as a result.

Formation − The cumene method that involves hydroperoxide is how acetone is synthesized in industry. Acetone is a byproduct of the metabolism of lipids in the animal body, and thus can be formed in humans, but is particularly noticeable in people who have uncontrolled diabetes.

Uses − The most common use of acetone is as a solvent to remove nail polish from fingernails, and as a way to remove ink or paint from surfaces. It is occasionally also used in industry to manufacture fibers and has some bacteriostatic abilities when used against certain species of bacteria.

Safety − In small amounts, the acetone is not very harmful but it does produce vapors that can irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and the cells of the skin. It is also a flammable chemical and so people should be careful to not use too much in an enclosed space or near an ignition source.

What is Xylene?

Xylene is a chemical that is a type of hydrocarbon molecule which is often present in one of three forms (isomers) which contain a benzene ring. These isomers differ only in where the methyl group is attached to the molecule, and they all have the formula C6H4(CH3)2.

Properties − The xylene can occur as a gas or a liquid that is colorless and has a distinctive smell that has been described as sweet. The molecular weight of xylene is 106.168 g/mol. It is also a flammable substance that therefore needs to be used with care. It is not soluble in water and it is quite toxic to people.

Formation − Xylene can be formed in a reaction that involves benzene and toluene. The chemical reaction is an alkylation type that results in the production of the xylene.

Uses − Xylene is used as a solvent for lacquers and paints. It is also used in the leather industry and is sometimes part of the process when plastics are manufactured. Xylene is also used in the staining of tissues when making microscope slides.

Safety − Xylene is a potentially dangerous chemical since it is flammable and has been shown to cause irritation of the mucous membranes and skin. It has also been shown to be toxic to the body if inhaled and thus individuals working with xylene should take precautions to avoid contact with skin or with breathing in the fumes. Xylene can be harmful to the nervous system and cause damage to organs like the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Differences: Acetone and Xylene

Chemical Structure − Acetone is a colorless liquid with a chemical formula of C3H6O. It is a simple ketone compound with a carbonyl group attached to two methyl groups. The molecule has a polar nature due to the presence of the carbonyl group, making it a good solvent for polar and non-polar compounds.

On the other hand, xylene is a colorless liquid with a chemical formula of C8H10. It is a mixture of three isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. The three isomers have similar chemical properties, but they differ in their molecular arrangement. Xylene has a non-polar nature due to the presence of only carbon and hydrogen atoms in its structure. It is a good solvent for non-polar compounds.

Physical Properties − Acetone is a highly volatile and flammable liquid with a boiling point of 56.5 °C and a density of 0.79 g/cm3. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and most organic solvents. Acetone has a strong, fruity odor and is commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.

In contrast, xylene is a moderately volatile and flammable liquid with a boiling point of 138.5 °C and a density of 0.86 g/cm3. It is insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents. Xylene has a sweet, aromatic odor and is commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, and adhesives.

Uses − Acetone has a wide range of uses in various industries. It is commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals. Acetone is also used as a cleaning agent, paint thinner, and nail polish remover. It is an important chemical intermediate in the production of many other chemicals, including methyl methacrylate, bisphenol A, and methyl isobutyl ketone.

Xylene is also widely used in various industries. It is commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, and adhesives. Xylene is also used as a cleaning agent and a fuel additive. It is an important intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including phthalic anhydride, terephthalic acid, and dimethyl terephthalate.

Characteristics	Acetone	Xylene
Definition	The acetone molecule is a type of chemical which has the formula C3H6O or CH3COCH3.	The xylene molecule is a type of chemical which has the formula C6H4(CH3)2.
Molecular weight	Acetone has is a smaller molecule with the molecular weight of 58.08 g/mol.	Xylene is a larger molecule with the molecular weight of 106.168 g/mol.
Type of molecule	The acetone molecule is a type of ketone.	The xylene molecule is a type of hydrocarbon.
Number of oxygen atoms	The acetone has one oxygen atom in the molecular structure.	The xylene has no oxygen atoms anywhere in the molecular structure.
Formation in industry	A cumene hydroperoxide method is used to make acetone synthetically.	An alkylation is done to attach methyl groups to benzene to make xylene and is often made from petroleum.
Formation in animals	Acetone can be formed in animals when lipid molecules are catabolized and ketone bodies are produced.	Xylene is not a substance that is normally formed in animals or other living organisms.
Odor	The odor of acetone is similar to a fruit.	The odor of xylene is that of a sweet substance.
Uses	Acetone can be used to take off nail polish, paints or even lacquers.	Xylene can be used for making histological preparations, and certain plastics. It can also be used as a solvent and cleaning agent.

Conclusion

To sum up, acetone and xylene are two widely used organic solvents with different chemical structures, physical properties, and uses. Acetone is a polar, highly volatile, and flammable liquid commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.

Xylene is a non-polar, moderately volatile, and flammable liquid commonly used in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, and adhesives. Understanding the difference between these two solvents is important for their safe handling and efficient use in various applications.