Acetonylacetone is a six-syllable word that is spelled phonetically as /əˌsɛtəniˌlæktəˈnoʊn/. The first syllable "a-" is pronounced as "uh", while the second syllable "cet" is pronounced as "set". The third syllable "on" is pronounced as "awn", and the fourth syllable "yl" is pronounced as "el". The fifth syllable "ac" is pronounced as "ak", and the last syllable "tone" is pronounced as "tohn". This word is a compound of two molecules, acetone, and ketone, used in organic chemistry.
Acetonylacetone is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of ketones. Also known as 2,4-pentanedione or acetylacetone, it is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. The molecular formula of acetonylacetone is C5H8O2, and its molecular weight is approximately 100.12 g/mol.
Acetonylacetone is widely used in various industries as a solvent, flavoring agent, and starting material in the synthesis of other organic compounds. It is particularly valued for its ability to form stable metal chelates, which makes it a crucial component in industrial applications such as catalysts, dyes, and resins. This compound has a high boiling point and low vapor pressure, making it suitable for use in high-temperature reactions.
In the field of organic chemistry, acetonylacetone serves as a versatile building block due to its keto-enol tautomeric properties. This means that it can readily undergo structural changes where the atom arrangement changes from a ketone (C=O) to an enol (C-OH) functional group. This characteristic allows for various synthetic transformations, such as condensation reactions, to produce a wide range of products.
While acetonylacetone is generally recognized as safe and is not considered highly toxic, it is important to handle it with caution, as excessive exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Proper safety measures, such as using personal protective equipment and following recommended handling procedures, should be followed when working with this chemical.
The word "acetonylacetone" is derived from two components: "acetonyl" and "acetone".
- "Acetonyl" is derived from "acetone" and the suffix "-yl". "Acetone" comes from the French word "acétone" (derived from "acide acétique", meaning acetic acid) and the suffix "-one". Acetone itself was first isolated in the early 19th century and is a volatile solvent and organic compound commonly used in many industrial and chemical applications.
- "Acetone", also known as propanone, traces its origin back to the Greek word "ἀκῆτος" (akētos), meaning "unmixed" or "pure", and the suffix "-one", denoting a ketone group.