EM-grade acetone with ≥99.5% purity is used in cytology fixation and laboratory procedures involving tissue hardening or dehydration. Its rapid penetration and volatility support methods that specify acetone fixation or solvent exchange.
Acetone is also used in selected extraction procedures involving animal- and plant-derived materials. Fixation, dehydration, and extraction conditions should follow the validated method for the specimen, target analyte, and downstream analysis.
Synonyms: 2-Propanone; propan-2-one; dimethyl ketone.
Key Properties
- EM-grade acetone for microscopy and histology workflows
- Chemical purity: ≥99.5%
- Identity confirmed by FT-IR
- CAS number: 67-64-1
- Molecular formula: C3H6O
- Linear formula: CH3COCH3
- Clear, colorless, volatile liquid
- Available in 1 L and 4 × 1 L formats
- Polysciences catalog number: 01921
Applications
Cytology Specimen Fixation
Acetone is commonly used to fix cytology specimens when specified by the staining or analytical method. Its rapid penetration supports short fixation steps, although exposure time and temperature should be controlled for the specimen and downstream procedure.
Urate Demonstration
EM-grade acetone is used in cytology and histology methods for demonstrating urates. Follow an established procedure because fixation conditions can affect specimen morphology and retention of the target material.
Tissue Hardening & Dehydration
Acetone may be used to harden and dehydrate tissue in protocols requiring rapid water removal or solvent exchange. Processing time, temperature, specimen dimensions, and subsequent reagents should be standardized for reproducible results.
Laboratory Extraction
Acetone may be used as an extraction solvent for selected compounds from animal- or plant-derived materials. Recovery and selectivity depend on the sample matrix, solvent-to-sample ratio, temperature, extraction time, and downstream analytical method.
Grade & Method Considerations
- Chemical purity: ≥99.5%; identity confirmed by FT-IR
- Review the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis when additional method requirements apply
- Do not assume ACS, HPLC, anhydrous, trace-metal, or low-residue specifications unless documented
- Use only in procedures that specify acetone or permit it as an alternative solvent
- Standardize solvent temperature, exposure time, and specimen-to-solvent ratio
- Confirm compatibility with stains, resins, adhesives, plastics, and processing equipment
Results depend on the complete method rather than solvent purity alone. Water content, contamination, evaporation, specimen dimensions, processing temperature, and exposure time can affect fixation, dehydration, and extraction performance.
Application Tips
- Dispense and use acetone in a chemical fume hood or adequately ventilated workspace
- Keep working containers covered to limit evaporation and moisture uptake
- Use clean, dry, solvent-compatible glassware and processing vessels
- Prepare fresh working aliquots and do not return used solvent to the original container
- Replace working solutions when contamination or excessive water accumulation is suspected
- Label aliquots with the material identity, dispense date, and applicable hazard information
- Follow the validated fixation, dehydration, or extraction sequence without unapproved substitutions
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources
- Use grounded or bonded equipment where required during solvent transfer
- Wear protective gloves, chemical goggles, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid breathing vapors and prevent contact with the eyes
- Use non-sparking tools and equipment suitable for flammable solvents
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FAQ
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1. What is EM-grade acetone used for?
EM-grade acetone is used in cytology fixation and procedures involving tissue hardening, dehydration, or solvent extraction. Conditions should follow the validated method for the specimen and downstream analysis.
2. How does this EM-grade acetone compare with other acetone grades?
EM-grade acetone has a chemical purity of ≥99.5%, with identity confirmed by FT-IR. Compare the product specifications and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis with your method requirements when selecting an acetone grade.
3. Can EM-grade acetone be used for cytology fixation?
Yes. Acetone is commonly used to fix cytology specimens. Fixation time, temperature, specimen type, and subsequent staining or analytical steps should follow the established laboratory protocol.
4. Can acetone be used when demonstrating urates?
Yes. EM-grade acetone is used in fixation methods for demonstrating urates. Follow a validated procedure to preserve the target material and specimen morphology.
5. Is this a prepared tissue fixative?
No. EM-grade acetone is a ≥99.5% solvent, not a preformulated tissue fixative. Perform any required dilution, cooling, or combination with other reagents according to the applicable laboratory method.
6. What package sizes are available?
EM-grade acetone is available in 1 L and 4 × 1 L formats. For larger volumes, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Acetone is highly flammable. Use it only with adequate ventilation and away from heat, sparks, flames, and static discharge. Wear protective gloves and chemical goggles, keep the container tightly closed, and avoid breathing vapors. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet, product specification, and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for complete handling, storage, transportation, disposal, and quality information.
