List of therms» Acetone

Dimethyl ketone, commonly called acetone, is an organic solvent obtained as one of the products of the destructive distillation of wood. Chemically speaking, ketones are secondary alcohols (such as isopropyl alcohol) that have been oxidized. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is another member of this family which is sometimes used as a solvent for vinyl plate lacquers.

Acetonee is a colorless liquid, boiling at 65,2° C and possessing a characteristic pungent odor and sweet taste. Although it is infrequently used in hand lithography, it is capable of producing unique results when combined with mixtures of water tusche. Minute quantities of acetone, when added to water tusches, will destroy the emulsion balance between their fatty-acid particles and vehicle. The grease particles are thrown out of the solution in the form of clotted globules. The substance, when drawn with a brush, will produce a coarse and blotchy appearance that cannot be obtained by other means. It is sometimes useful to create powerful and primitive drawing effects.
It is also used in several special lithographic techniques.

Anna Trojanowska