Acetone and Water, both are different in their ways, based on their transparency, odor, color, taste. But both are important in their ways and thus, it becomes necessary to understand what acetone and water are, to differentiate them well, and understand their importance in living organisms.
Summary
Acetone Vs Water
The main difference between Acetone and Water is that Acetone is the simplest ketone with a specific odor, on the other hand, Water is an inorganic compound, which is odorless.
Acetone is found naturally in the environment in plants, trees, forest fires, vehicle exhaust, and as a breakdown product of animal fat metabolism and it is a manufactured chemical with a specific smell and taste. It has no color and it evaporates quite easily. Acetone is flammable and can dissolve in water.
Water is one of the most essential compounds for the survival of human beings. It is composed of the chemical elements hydrogen and oxygen and it exists in solid, liquid, and gaseous states. It has no taste and odor at room temperatures. Water has the ability to dissolve many other substances. Water is versatile and has the utmost importance in this world.
Comparison Table Between Acetone and Water
| Parameters of Comparison | Acetone | Water |
| Chemical Formula | The chemical formula of Acetone is C3H6O | The chemical formula of Water is H2O |
| Molecular Weight | The molecular weight of Acetone is 58.08 g/mol | The molecular weight of water is 18.02 g/mol |
| Boiling and Melting points | Acetone’s boiling point is 56°C, and its melting point is -95°C | Water’s boiling point is 100°C, and its melting point is 0°C |
| Production | Acetone is produced by the moderate oxidation of 2-propanol in the presence of a copper catalyst | Water is derived from available natural sources |
| Auto-ignition | Acetone’s auto-ignition occurs at 465°C | Water cannot be ignited |
What is Acetone?
Acetone which is also known as 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone is the simplest ketone that is colorless, aromatic, and flammable. Acetone can dissolve many fats and resins as well as cellulose esters.
Acetone can easily mix with water and quickly evaporates in the air. It is used in nail polish removers, in textile industries, and in making lacquers.
Acetone can easily mix with water and quickly evaporates in the air. It is used in nail polish removers, in textile industries, and in making lacquers.
The Food and Drugs Administration has Generally Recognized ketone as Safe but it has some risks.
Acetone is flammable, thus it shouldn’t be used in the open flame. It can also irritate if inhaled. It is also poisonous if consumed in large amounts by children or even adults.
To prevent the risks of Acetone, it’s important to use it safely in a well-ventilated space, to keep it away from children, foods, and drinks, close the bottles tightly and use protective equipment while using it.
What is Water?
Water is of the most important compounds found on this Earth, although the molecules of Earth look simple yet it is very much complicated.
Almost 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. The chemical formula of Water is H20 means, one molecule of water is composed of two hydrogens and one oxygen atom.
There are three states of water, which is solid, liquid, and gaseous. The solid-state of water is known as Ice. The liquid state of water makes up the surface of the Earth. The gaseous state of water is known as vapors.
There is a concept of the water cycle which is an integral part of other biochemical cycles and affects all life processes on the Earth, where water changes its state from one phase to another yet the total number of particles remains the same. There is various process by which water changes its state, it can be evaporation, melting and freezing, sublimation, condensation, and deposition. These changes can happen with the help of the application of energy. The water cycle has a tremendous impact on the climate and it even cleans our air.
Water is colorless and has no taste, it has high thermal conductivity and heat. It is also referred to as ‘Universal Solvent’ as most of the substance gets dissolved.
Water is found in different water bodies such as the sea, oceans, rivers, ponds, lakes, and tanks. Water is used for various purposes, from domestic to agriculture purposes and it is even used in industrial applications.
Water is being used widely and thus it is important for us to conserve it and save it for future generations. Dams and Rainwater Harvesting helps in conserving water.
Main Differences Between Acetone and Water
- Occurrence – Acetone occurs in animals, plants, vehicle exhaust, forest fires, volcanic gases, etc. while Water is mostly found in oceans and seas, covering 71% of the surface of the Earth.
- Presence in the human body- When the stock of carbohydrates gets depleted in the body after long starvation or a diet, then the fat is decomposed which results in the production of acetone while there is 70-75% water in the human body.
- Toxicity- Acetone is toxic and causes dizziness due to inhaled vapors on the other hand Water is the least toxic compound.
- Use- Acetone is used in the production of plastics, film strips, acetate silk, synthetic rubber, smokeless gunpowder, some medicines, to clean contaminated surfaces, as a solvent for paints, varnishes, various organic synthetic reactions, etc. while Water is used in agriculture, for industrial needs, for energy production, and domestic purposes.
- Odor- Acetone has a specific odor while Water doesn’t have any smell.
Conclusion
We have seen the differences between Acetone and Water both. We can understand that both are different in their own forms and ways, and their uses vary too. Their importance impacts our life differently and both are important for us to survive. What we can conclude is that Acetone and Water are not just chemical compounds or substance but it has their own special features and properties which we can’t just neglect.