Question

Boiling point of acetone is:
(A) ${56}^{\text{ o}}\text{C}$
(B) ${60}^{\text{ o}}\text{C}$
(C) ${100}^{\text{ o}}\text{C}$
(D) ${90}^{\text{ o}}\text{C}$

Answer 1

Hint: Acetone is an organic compound known as dimethyl ketone and with IUPAC name propanone. It is the simplest and smallest aliphatic ketone. Pure acetone is a colorless and clear volatile liquid with a fruity pleasant odour. It is also highly flammable. It is a very important compound and is the most widely used aliphatic ketone.

Complete step by step solution:
Acetone is a liquid having a high miscibility and readily dissolves in liquids, namely water, ethanol, ether, etc. and is thus used as solvents in various fields. It can dissolve a number of fats and resins and also substances like nitro cellulose, cellulose acetate and many other cellulose ethers. Acetone at normal pressure conditions, i.e. at atmospheric pressure has a boiling point of ${56}^{\text{ o}}\text{C}$ .
Acetone is a polar molecule due to the electronegativity difference between carbon and oxygen atoms. As a result, the molecules of acetone are held together by dipole- dipole interactions. These interactions are very weak as compared to hydrogen bonding present in water and thus, acetone has a relatively lower boiling point. It vaporizes easily and this property is used in many applications.

Hence, option A is correct.

Note:
Acetone is generally found in plants, trees, forest fires, volcanic gases and as a by- product in the break- down of lipids or body fat. It is also present in minor quantities in bodily fluids like blood and urine, and in higher quantities in diabetic patients. Acetone is also found to be in trace amounts in tobacco smoke, vehicle exhausts and at landfill sites. It is also obtained as a side product during the destructive distillation of natural substances like wood, cellulose, sugar, etc.