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Acetone vs. Acetate: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 2, 2024
Acetone is a volatile, flammable liquid used as a solvent; simplest ketone. Acetate is a salt or ester of acetic acid, used in making synthetic fibers, plastics.
Acetone vs. Acetate

Key Differences

Acetone is an organic compound, the simplest ketone, a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. It's used widely as a solvent in industries and laboratories. Acetate, on the other hand, refers to a compound formed from acetic acid and an alkaline, metallic or organic base. It's commonly used in the production of synthetic fibers and materials.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Acetone serves as an important solvent in the manufacture of plastics and other products. It's also a key component in nail polish removers and paint thinners. Acetate fibers are used extensively in textiles, especially for linings and wrappings, due to their silk-like appearance and smooth texture.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
In chemical structure, acetone contains a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two methyl groups. It's a significant metabolite in human bodies, especially in diabetic ketoacidosis. Acetate molecules, however, consist of the acetyl group attached to a charged molecule or atom, like sodium acetate in heating pads.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Acetone is notable for its quick evaporation and ability to dissolve a wide range of plastics and resins. It’s used in various chemical and cosmetic industries. Acetate, in contrast, forms when acetic acid reacts with another substance, creating products like cellulose acetate used in photographic films.
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Jan 02, 2024
In biological systems, acetone appears as a byproduct of fat metabolism and can be found in breath and urine. It’s also used in medical and laboratory settings for specimen preservation. Acetate plays a vital role in metabolism, acting as a key molecule in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids.
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Comparison Chart

Chemical Structure

Simplest ketone with a carbonyl and two methyl groups
Salt or ester of acetic acid
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Uses

Solvent, nail polish remover, industrial applications
Textile fibers, plastics, photographic films
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Appearance

Colorless, volatile liquid
Varies, often used in synthetic materials
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Role in Metabolism

Byproduct of fat metabolism
Involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, fatty acids
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Physical Properties

Flammable, quick evaporation
Stable, used in durable materials
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Acetone and Acetate Definitions

Acetone

A colorless, volatile solvent used in many industrial processes.
Acetone is commonly used in nail polish remover.
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Dec 18, 2023

Acetate

A salt or ester of acetic acid, often used in textiles.
The dress was made of a smooth, shiny acetate fabric.
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Dec 18, 2023

Acetone

A simple ketone compound with a sharp, sweetish odor.
The smell of acetone was evident in the laboratory.
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Dec 18, 2023

Acetate

Used in making synthetic fibers and coatings.
The new line of raincoats is made from a water-resistant acetate.
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Acetone

A chemical used for cleaning and degreasing in industrial settings.
The factory used acetone for cleaning machinery parts.
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Acetate

A derivative of acetic acid, used in various chemical reactions.
The chemist used sodium acetate in her experiment.
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Acetone

A product of fat metabolism, detectable in human breath.
Acetone levels in breath can indicate metabolic conditions.
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Acetate

A biologically important ion in metabolic processes.
Acetate plays a role in the synthesis of fatty acids in the body.
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Acetone

A quick-evaporating substance used in paint thinners.
He used acetone to thin the paint for his art project.
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Dec 18, 2023

Acetate

A component in photographic film and plastics.
Acetate is crucial in the production of certain photographic films.
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Dec 18, 2023

Acetone

A colorless, volatile, extremely flammable liquid ketone, C3H6O, widely used as an organic solvent. It is one of the ketone bodies that accumulate in the blood and urine when fat is being metabolized.
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Acetate

A salt or ester of acetic acid.
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Acetone

(organic compound) A colourless, volatile, flammable liquid ketone, (CH3)2CO, used as a solvent.
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Acetate

Cellulose acetate or any of various products, especially fibers, derived from it.
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Acetone

A volatile liquid consisting of three parts of carbon, six of hydrogen, and one of oxygen; pyroacetic spirit, - obtained by the distillation of certain acetates, or by the destructive distillation of citric acid, starch, sugar, or gum, with quicklime.
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Acetate

(organic chemistry) Any salt or ester of acetic acid.
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Acetone

The simplest ketone; a highly inflammable liquid widely used as an organic solvent and as material for making plastics
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Acetate

Cellulose acetate.
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Acetate

A transparent sheet used for overlays.
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Acetate

Ellipsis of acetate disc: a disc of aluminium covered in a wax used to make demonstration copies of a phonograph record.
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Acetate

A salt formed by the union of acetic acid with a base or positive radical; as, acetate of lead, acetate of potash.
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Acetate

A salt or ester of acetic acid
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Acetate

A fabric made from cellulose acetate fibers
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is acetone flammable?

Yes, acetone is highly flammable.
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Jan 02, 2024

How is acetone produced in the body?

It's a byproduct of fat metabolism.
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Can acetone dissolve plastic?

Yes, acetone can dissolve certain types of plastic.
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What are acetates used for?

Acetates are used in textiles, plastics, and as a food additive.
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Is acetate safe in food?

Yes, when used appropriately, it's generally regarded as safe.
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Jan 02, 2024

What is acetone used for?

Acetone is primarily used as a solvent and in nail polish removers.
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Jan 02, 2024

Can acetate be biodegradable?

Yes, some forms of acetate are biodegradable.
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Is acetone harmful?

In high concentrations, acetone can be harmful and irritate the skin and eyes.
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Is acetate the same as acetic acid?

No, acetate is a derivative of acetic acid.
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Are acetate frames durable?

Yes, acetate frames (like in glasses) are known for their durability.
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Is acetate good for the environment?

While some acetates are biodegradable, others can be environmentally harmful.
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Can acetate be recycled?

Yes, certain types of acetate can be recycled.
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What is the boiling point of acetone?

The boiling point of acetone is around 56°C (133°F).
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Can acetone be mixed with water?

Yes, acetone is miscible with water.
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Is acetone present in household products?

Yes, it's commonly found in nail polish remover and cleaning agents.
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How is acetate made?

It's made by reacting acetic acid with a base.
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Can acetone be used in medicine?

Yes, it's used in some medical and laboratory settings.
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Is acetone naturally occurring?

Yes, it occurs naturally in plants, trees, volcanic gases, and as a byproduct of body metabolism.
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Is acetate a strong or weak acid?

Acetate is a weak acid.
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What industries use acetone the most?

The cosmetic, plastic, and paint industries use acetone extensively.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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