Is Acetone the Same as Isopropyl Alcohol?
No. Acetone and isopropyl alcohol are different chemicals. Acetone, (CH3)2CO, is a ketone with a fragrant, mint-like smell and a flash point of 0°F; isopropyl alcohol is the alcohol in rubbing alcohol, with a flash point of 53°F (CDC/NIOSH). Both are flammable solvents that irritate the eyes, nose and throat, but acetone dissolves nail polish and many plastics, while rubbing alcohol is used to disinfect.
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Rubbing Alcohol Dilution Chart (PDF)
How much 99%, 91% or 70% rubbing alcohol and water to mix for a 70% or 60% cleaning solution, for 100, 250 and 500 ml. Every line shows its source and the date we read it. Print it or keep it on your phone.
- Ready-made amounts for 99%, 91% and 70% bottles
- The 60-90% range the CDC gives for alcohol disinfectants, and safety notes
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Acetone vs isopropyl alcohol at a glance
| Acetone | Isopropyl alcohol | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical type | ketone, (CH3)2CO, also called 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone | alcohol (2-propanol), the alcohol in most rubbing alcohol |
| Smell (NIOSH) | fragrant, mint-like | “the odor of rubbing alcohol” |
| Flash point (NIOSH) | 0°F (about -18°C) | 53°F (about 12°C) |
| Fire class (NIOSH) | Class IB flammable liquid | Class IB flammable liquid |
| Effects of breathing it (NIOSH) | irritation of eyes, nose and throat; headache, dizziness, central nervous system depression; skin irritation | irritation of eyes, nose and throat; drowsiness, dizziness, headache; dry, cracking skin |
The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the vapour can catch fire. Acetone’s is much lower, so it ignites more easily at room temperature.
Can you use acetone instead of rubbing alcohol?
Not as a disinfectant. The CDC’s disinfection guideline names ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, at 60% to 90% in water, as the germ-killing alcohols; acetone is not on that list. Acetone is a strong solvent and is the classic nail polish remover. Our advice: test it on a hidden spot first, because strong solvents can damage some finishes and plastics.
Can you use rubbing alcohol instead of acetone?
For some cleaning jobs, yes, but it is a weaker solvent and will not remove nail polish as well. For cleaning surfaces, use it at 70% or dilute stronger bottles with our dilution calculator.
Safety for both
- Use in a ventilated room and keep away from flames, sparks and heaters.
- Do not mix them with other cleaning chemicals.
- Never drink either one.
Does isopropyl alcohol have acetone in it?
The CDC NIOSH Pocket Guide entry for isopropyl alcohol lists it as its own chemical (a colorless liquid with the odor of rubbing alcohol) and does not mention acetone. Check a product’s label for its ingredients; we found no official statement about every brand. IPA is a common abbreviation for isopropyl alcohol, also called isopropanol or 2-propanol.
Acetone vs isopropanol: which is more hazardous?
Neither is safe to drink or breathe in strong doses, and the NIOSH numbers point in different directions:
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | Acetone | Isopropyl alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| NIOSH exposure limit (8-hour average) | 250 ppm | 400 ppm |
| OSHA limit (8-hour average) | 1000 ppm | 400 ppm |
| Immediately dangerous level (IDLH) | 2500 ppm | 2000 ppm |
| Flash point | 0°F | 53°F |
Acetone catches fire more easily and has the lower NIOSH limit; isopropyl alcohol has the lower IDLH and the lower OSHA limit. Both are Class IB flammable liquids by NIOSH. Treat both with the same care: ventilate, keep away from flame, and ask a doctor or poison center if you feel unwell after breathing them in.
People also ask
Is acetone the same as isopropyl alcohol?
No. Acetone is a ketone ((CH3)2CO); isopropyl alcohol is an alcohol. Both are flammable solvents, but they behave differently.
What is the difference between acetone and isopropyl alcohol?
Acetone is the stronger solvent with a mint-like smell and a flash point of 0°F; isopropyl alcohol disinfects at 60-90% and has a flash point of 53°F (NIOSH, CDC).
Can I use acetone to disinfect?
The CDC disinfection guideline lists ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, not acetone, as germ-killing alcohols.
Does isopropyl alcohol have acetone in it?
The NIOSH entry for isopropyl alcohol does not list acetone. They are separate chemicals; read the product label for ingredients.
Acetone vs isopropanol: which is more hazardous?
Both are Class IB flammable liquids. Acetone has the lower flash point (0°F vs 53°F) and lower NIOSH limit (250 vs 400 ppm); isopropyl alcohol has the lower IDLH (2000 vs 2500 ppm).
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