Acetone vs. Xylene: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 15, 2023
Acetone is a solvent known for its fast-drying property, while Xylene, another solvent, is recognized for its ability to thin paints and varnishes.
Key Differences
Acetone, an organic compound, is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid and is the simplest form of the ketone bodies. Xylene, on the other hand, is a clear, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is very flammable and is refined from crude oil and has three possible isomers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
In the world of industrial and domestic uses, Acetone is commonly utilized as a solvent to dissolve other substances such as plastics, fibers, and more. In contrast, Xylene is often used in the printing, rubber, and leather industries.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Regarding safety and health, Acetone is generally considered a safer solvent when compared to many others, though it's not without its risks, especially when inhaled in large quantities. Xylene, conversely, poses significant health risks, including respiratory and central nervous system problems, when exposed without proper safety measures.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
In a laboratory context, Acetone is frequently used in various chemical reactions and as a solvent in cleaning lab equipment. Xylene is prevalent in histology labs for tissue processing, staining, and cover-slipping and in thinning paints and varnishes in industrial applications.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Environmentally speaking, Acetone is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) but has a lesser impact on ozone depletion. Xylene, while also a VOC, presents more significant environmental concerns due to its contributions to the formation of ground-level ozone and water contamination.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Health risks
Irritation, dizziness on high exposure
Respiratory issues, CNS problems
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Environmental
Lesser ozone-depleting VOC
Contributes significantly to ozone layer
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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Acetone and Xylene Definitions
Acetone
"Acetone is an organic compound."
The laboratory purchased a large quantity of Acetone for research purposes.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Xylene
"Xylene is a common laboratory reagent."
In the lab, we often use Xylene for tissue processing before microscopic examination.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Acetone
"Acetone acts as a powerful solvent."
She used Acetone to remove the paint from her hands.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Xylene
"Xylene is used as a solvent in the printing and rubber industries."
They used Xylene to thin the ink for a smooth printing process.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Acetone
"Acetone is used in nail polish remover."
She grabbed a bottle of Acetone to take off her chipped nail polish.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
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Xylene
"Xylene poses significant health hazards."
Workers are advised to wear protective gear to prevent Xylene inhalation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Acetone
"Acetone is known for its rapid evaporation."
The spill of Acetone was quickly gone due to its fast-evaporating nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Xylene
"Xylene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon."
The factory dealt with large volumes of Xylene, necessitating advanced safety protocols.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Acetone
"Acetone is highly flammable."
Due to the high flammability of Acetone, the storage area was equipped with special safety features.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Xylene
"Xylene has three isomers."
The scientist was studying the different characteristics of each Xylene isomer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Acetone
A colorless, volatile, extremely flammable liquid ketone, C3H6O, widely used as an organic solvent. It is one of the ketone bodies that accumulate in the blood and urine when fat is being metabolized.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Xylene
Any of three colorless flammable isomeric benzene derivatives, C8H10, obtained from wood and coal tar.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Acetone
(organic compound) A colourless, volatile, flammable liquid ketone, (CH3)2CO, used as a solvent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Xylene
A mixture of xylene isomers used as a solvent in making lacquers and rubber cement and as an aviation fuel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Acetone
A volatile liquid consisting of three parts of carbon, six of hydrogen, and one of oxygen; pyroacetic spirit, - obtained by the distillation of certain acetates, or by the destructive distillation of citric acid, starch, sugar, or gum, with quicklime.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Xylene
(chemistry) Any of a group of three isomeric aromatic hydrocarbons, found in coal and wood tar.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Acetone
The simplest ketone; a highly inflammable liquid widely used as an organic solvent and as material for making plastics
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Xylene
Any of a group of three metameric hydrocarbons of the aromatic series, found in coal and wood tar, and so named because found in crude wood spirit. They are colorless, oily, inflammable liquids, C6H4.(CH3)2, being dimethyl benzenes, and are called respectively orthoxylene, metaxylene, and paraxylene. Called also xylol.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
FAQs
Is Acetone dangerous?
Acetone is flammable and can cause irritation, but it's generally considered safe with proper handling.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Does Acetone dissolve plastic?
Acetone can dissolve or degrade many types of plastic.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
How is Acetone made?
Acetone is typically produced through the cumene process.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
What is Acetone commonly used for?
Acetone is used as a solvent and in making plastics, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
What is Xylene used for?
Xylene is used as a solvent, in the printing, rubber, and leather industries, and in products such as paint thinners.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can Acetone be found in households?
Yes, Acetone is commonly found in products like nail polish remover and paint thinner.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is Xylene toxic to humans?
Yes, Xylene can cause respiratory issues and central nervous system problems upon prolonged exposure.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
How does Acetone affect the environment?
Acetone has low toxicity for aquatic life and breaks down quickly in the environment, though it is a volatile organic compound.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can Acetone cause skin irritation?
Yes, Acetone can cause dryness and irritation with direct skin contact.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can I mix Acetone and Xylene?
It's not advisable due to increased flammability and potential chemical reactions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Can Xylene be used in place of Acetone?
Sometimes, but Xylene is more toxic and less effective in dissolving certain substances.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can you be exposed to Xylene at home?
Xylene may be present in lower concentrations in items like paint thinners and varnishes.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
How is Xylene produced?
Xylene is primarily produced from the refining of crude oil.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Are there different types of Xylene?
Yes, there are three isomers of Xylene: ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is it safe to inhale Acetone or Xylene?
Both can cause health issues when inhaled, with Xylene being more toxic.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Do Acetone and Xylene have a smell?
Acetone has a distinct sweet, fruity odor, while Xylene has a sweet, aromatic odor.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Are there safer alternatives to Acetone and Xylene?
Yes, there are less toxic solvents, but their effectiveness varies depending on the application.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
What’s the difference in flammability between Acetone and Xylene?
Both are highly flammable, but Acetone has a lower flash point.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
How are Xylene and Acetone disposed of safely?
Both should be disposed of as hazardous waste, following local regulations.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Is Xylene a pollutant?
Yes, Xylene contributes to air and water pollution and is considered a hazardous air pollutant.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
