Q.State two major uses of acetone, and explain, on the basis of its physical properties, why it is a widely used organic solvent.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Because acetone is a small, polar molecule, it is fully miscible with water; but because it also has a sizeable non-polar methyl-carbonyl-methyl framework, it can dissolve resins, plastics, fats and other largely non-polar organic substances as well -- a combination few common solvents achieve, making it useful for cleaning and dissolving across a wide range of otherwise incompatible material types. Its low boiling point () means it evaporates rapidly at room temperature, leaving no residue behind, which is exactly why it is the active ingredient in most nail-polish removers and a common industrial solvent for paints, varnishes and adhesives. It is also an important starting material in the synthesis of methyl methacrylate, used to …
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