what is acetone

Acetone is a colorless, highly volatile and flammable liquid with a distinct smell and taste. It is a solvent that can dissolve or break down other materials, such as paint, varnish, or grease. Acetone is miscible with water and serves as an important organic solvent in industry, home, and laboratory. It is also present in products such as nail polish remover or paint remover. Acetone is naturally present in trees and other plants, as well as tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, and landfills. It is also a primary ingredient in many nail polish removers. Acetone is commonly used as a solvent to manufacture plastics and other industrial products. The body produces acetone when it burns fat. Other names for acetone include dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, propanone, and beta-ketopropane.