Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/Acetone

Advertisement

Expert: Labman - 2/24/2006


Question
Hello,
I recently read that people on a ketogenic diet have breath smell like acetone. It's been years since I last saw acetone in a flask and I never smelt it. Googling brought no reliable info, so I was wondering if you could give me some sort of comparison - is it very pungent?

Thanks
Geoff  

Answer
Describing smells is tough.  It will clear your sinuses, but I wouldn't call it pungent.  More of a sweet, fruit like smell.  Buy a bottle of fingernail polish remover.  It is acetone maybe with lanolin added.  May be handy for difficult cleaning jobs.  Note, very inflammable and may take paint off.  

Chemistry (including Biochemistry)

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Labman

Expertise

I can answer general chemistry questions and those specific to the paint, plastic, and resins fields I have worked in. If I can`t give an answer I know is correct, I will say so. I will not answer questions that sound too much like you need to read your assignment. I will try to help you it if you have read it and do not understand it.

Experience

I have a BS in chemistry and years of experience in the paint and plastic industries. Part of that was as a manager
in a production facility

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.