Chemical Properties
colourless to yellow liquid
Uses
Hydroxyacetone is a chemical reagent used in various organic chemical reactions. It is a component of the Mannich reaction, amino acid caalyzes direct asymmetric aldol reactions. In the pharmaceutical setting, this compound is used in the synthesis of imidazoles acting as potent and orally active antihypertensive agents. It is also used in the syntheses of 2-oxo-propionaldehyde, imidazoles, polyols, acrolein, dyes and skin tanning agents. It yields (R)-1,2-propanediol upon reduction of hydroxyacetone in the presence of a microbial cell catalyst.
Definition
ChEBI: A propanone that is acetone in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by a hydroxy group.
General Description
Hydroxyacetone (Acetol) is important for the manufacture of polyols, acrolein, dyes and skin tanning agents. It undergoes asymmetric reduction to yield (
R)-1,2-propanediol in the presence of microbial cell catalyst.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Mutation data reported. An allergen. Implicated in aplastic anemia. A 10 gram dose may be fatal to an adult. skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion can cause asthma, sneezing, irritation of eyes and nose, hives, and eczema. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.
Synthesis
Hydroxyacetone is produced from Bromoacetone plus sodium formate, followed by Methanol hydrolysis of the formed ester. Or by biochemical synthesis from Propylene glycol with sorbose bacterium.
