WHAT IS IT?
Acetone (CH₃COCH₃) is the simplest ketone — a colourless, volatile, flammable liquid with a distinctive sweet smell. It is always co-produced with phenol via the cumene process (about 0.6 tonnes acetone per tonne phenol). This joint production means acetone supply is driven by phenol demand, not acetone demand independently.
HOW IS IT MADE?
Cumene (isopropylbenzene) → Cumene Hydroperoxide → Phenol + Acetone
Benzene + Propylene → Cumene → This is the feedstock chain.
Alternative route: Isopropanol (IPA) dehydrogenation — minor share.
KEY USES
Solvent (largest use): Paints, coatings, nail polish remover, adhesives, cleaning
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) production → acrylic glass (PMMA/Perspex) and acrylic coatings — acetone + HCN route
Bisphenol A (BPA) production → polycarbonate and epoxy resins
Pharmaceutical solvent and intermediate
Semiconductor cleaning
THE PHENOL-ACETONE BALANCE
Since acetone and phenol are always produced together in fixed ratio (~0.6:1), their markets are closely linked. When phenol demand is strong, acetone supply increases. If acetone demand doesn't keep pace, prices weaken. Understanding this balance is key to trading either product.
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major producers: China, USA, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan
Major buyers: Southeast Asia, India, Europe
Tetra relevance: South Korea is a significant acetone/phenol producer.
PRICING BASIS
No formal exchange. CFR Southeast Asia, FOB Korea main references. Tracks cumene/benzene/propylene upstream and MMA/BPA downstream.
SPECIFICATIONS
Purity: min 99.5%
Water: max 0.3%
Methanol: max 0.05%
Acidity (as acetic acid): max 0.002%
Colour (APHA): max 5
Specific gravity at 20°C: 0.789–0.791
SAFETY
Highly flammable (flash point -18°C). Vapours heavier than air — accumulate at low levels. Low toxicity at typical solvent exposures but CNS depressant at high concentrations. IMDG Class 3.