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acetophenone
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acetophenone

chemical compound
Also known as: 1-phenylethanone, methyl phenyl ketone
Written by
William H. Brown
Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Beloit College, Wisconsin.
William H. Brown
Fact-checked by
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History

acetophenone (C6H5COCH3), an organic compound used as an ingredient in perfumes and as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, resins, flavouring agents, and a form of tear gas. It also has been used as a drug to induce sleep.

The compound can be synthesized from benzene and acetyl chloride, but it is prepared commercially by the air oxidation of ethylbenzene.

Pure acetophenone is a colourless liquid, with a melting point of 20.2 °C (68.4 °F) and a boiling point of 202.4 °C (396.3 °F). It is only slightly soluble in water but is freely soluble in ethanol (ethyl alcohol), diethyl ether, and chloroform.

William H. Brown