Example research essay topic: Humans And Animals Physical Properties - 878 words

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Acetone This report contains the information on the chemical acetone, its chemical, physical and biological properties and health effects which acetone makes on humans and animals. In chemistry science, acetone is a manufactured chemical, the simplest representative of the ketones that is also found naturally in the environment (Acetone). It is also known as dimethyl ketone, 2 -propane, proper- 2 -one and beta-keto propane (Tox FAQs for Acetone). It is flammable as well as evaporates easily, and dissolves in water. One of the main purposes of acetone is its usage in production of such chemicals as plastic, fibers, drugs, and others. It also dissolves other substances.

Acetone appears naturally in plants, trees, forest fires, volcanic gases, and in result of the breakdown of body fat. Also we can find acetone in vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, and landfill sites. Acetone occurs in the environment mostly because of industrial processes than natural processes. Acetone like any chemical has its own chemical, physical and biological properties. Physical properties. Acetone is a clear and colourless liquid which has a special taste and a strong "fruity" smell (Acetone.

Enviromental health criteria 207. ). It an be miscible with water and such organic solvents as ether, methanol, ethanol and esters. Acetone is used as a solvent because it has such physical properties of acetone as high evaporation rate, low viscosity and miscibility. It is broadly used as a solvent for different polymers such as gums, waxes, resins, fats, greases, oils, dyestuffs, and cellulosics (Kirk-Othman). The Table 1 shows a summary of the most important physical properties of acetone. Table 1.

Physical properties of acetone Property Value / description Relative molecular mass, g / mol 58. 08 Colour Clear colourless Physical state Liquid Melting point - 95. 35 C Freezing point - 94. 7 C at 1 atm Boiling point 56. 2 C at 1 atm (760 torr) Viscosity at 20 C, cP 0. 32 Specific heat capacity, cp at 20 C, kJ kg- 1 K- 1 2. 135 Vapour pressure at 20 C, kPa 24 Chemical properties. The chemical reactions of acetone are typical of saturated ketones. These reactions contain addition, oxidation-reduction and condensation, and yield alcohols, kerala, acids and amines (Acetone. Enviromental health criteria 207. ).

Mainly acetone is applied as a raw material in the chemical synthesis of methyl methacrylate, di acetone alcohol, bisphenol A and other derivatives. In general, acetone is inert to air oxidation and diffuse sunlight, but it is not stable when exposed to water (Properties of Acetone). Its reactions may be strong or explosive, especially in a confined container. Acetone is also very sensitive to oxidizing agents such as nitrosyl chloride, chromium trioxide and hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxides. Biological properties.

From biological point of view, acetone is a metabolic product in humans and some other mammals. Normally it is present in their urine and blood. Acetone is found in almost every tissue and organ in the human body. In relatively higher concentrations it is a constituent of diabetics (Kirk-Othman). Health effects. Exposure to high concentrations of acetone results in negative health effects for humans and animals.

This paragraph discusses the health effects of inhalation exposure to acetone in humans and animals. Acetone is less toxic than many other industrial solvents, but at high concentrations acetone vapour can be the reason of CNS depression, cardio respiratory failure and death (Acetone. Enviromental health criteria 207) After inhaling acetone fumes or swallowing acetone, it goes to the blood which carries acetone to the organs of the body. In a small quantity, the liver breaks acetone down to not harmful chemicals and then with the help of these chemicals produces energy for normal body functions. There are some hematite health effects which can be caused by breathing even moderate- to-high levels of acetone for short time periods. These are nose, throat, lung, and eye irritation; light-headedness; confusion; headaches; high pulse rate; influences on blood; nausea; vomiting; unconsciousness and probably coma; irritation and damage to the skin; and shortening of the female menstrual cycle (Acetone).

Ingesting much increased levels of acetone can cause unconsciousness and skin damage in the mouth. To avoid breathing damaging levels of acetone is possible taking into account wonderful warning signs of the smell and respiratory irritation or burning eyes that appear from relative exposure levels. Health effects from long-term exposures are known mostly from animal researches. Kidney, liver, and nerve damage, high birth defects, and low reproduction ability of males (only) appeared in animals exposed long-term.

It is not known if the same effects would occur in humans. In conclusion, acetone is a chemical that is found naturally in the environment and is also produced by industries. Like any chemical, acetone has chemical, physical and biological properties. Acetone high concentrations in expired air, blood, and urine influences negatively on the health of human beings and animals. Bibliography: Acetone.

Online. Internet. < web > 2000 - 2004 by World-History. com. All rights reserved. Acetone. Enviromental health criteria 207.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY. Online. Internet. < web > Kirk-Othman. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1991 Properties of acetone.

Online. Internet. < web > Tox FAQs for Acetone. 25 May 2004. < web >

Research essay sample on Humans And Animals Physical Properties