What is the Difference Between Xylene and Acetone?

Xylene and acetone are two organic solvents with different chemical structures, physical properties, and uses. The main differences between them include:

1. Chemical Structure: Xylene has the chemical formula (CH3)2C6H4, while acetone has the chemical formula (CH3)2CO.
2. Polarity: Xylene is non-polar, whereas acetone is less polar. This difference in polarity affects their ability to dissolve various substances.
3. Solubility: Xylene can dissolve lipophilic substances, while acetone can dissolve both lipophilic and hydrophilic substances.
4. Molar Mass: The molar mass of acetone is about half that of xylene.
5. Toxicity: Xylene is considered a cheaper and less toxic solvent compared to acetone.
6. Uses: Acetone is commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and pharmaceuticals, while xylene is used in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, and adhesives.

In summary, acetone and xylene are two widely used organic solvents with different chemical structures, physical properties, and uses. Acetone is a polar, highly volatile, and flammable liquid, while xylene is a non-polar, moderately volatile, and flammable liquid. Understanding the difference between these two solvents is important for their safe handling and application.

Comparative Table: Xylene vs Acetone

Here is a table summarizing the differences between xylene and acetone:

Acetone is a ketone with the chemical formula C3H6O or CH3COCH3, while xylene is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H4(CH3)2. Acetone has a molecular weight of 58.08 g/mol, making it a smaller molecule than xylene, which has a molecular weight of 106.168 g/mol. Acetone has one oxygen atom in its molecular structure, whereas xylene does not contain any oxygen atoms. Acetone is slightly polar and can dissolve both lipophilic and hydrophilic substances, while xylene is non-polar and dissolves lipophilic substances.