Acetones, or KETONES, are the aldehydes of secondary alcohols (see ALCOHOL). Thus secondary propyl alcohol, when oxidised, loses two atoms of hydrogen, and gives dimethyl ketone, ordinarily known as acetone.
Secondary Propyl Alcohol. Acetone. . A series of such acetones is known, of which acetone is typical. It may be prepared by distilling acetate of calcium. It is a limpid liquid, having a taste like that of peppermint, and is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, and water. Its specific gravity is about .79, its boiling-point being . (.). It has recently been used in America for the manufacture of chloroform, which is obtained from it by distillation with bleaching-powder. It is a solvent for gums and resins, as well as for gun-cotton.