Acetone and bleach are two common terms that you might hear in the household as they are effectively used for cleaning. They work tremendously on an individual level but prove dangerous when mixed. Acetone is an organic substance while bleach is an inorganic substance. In the toxicity aspect, bleach is comparatively more toxic than acetone.
Acetone vs Bleach
The main difference between acetone and bleach is that acetone is a volatile, colorless liquid that is majorly used for cleaning purposes. It is an organic compound represented with the chemical formula C3H6O. On the contrary, bleach is an inorganic compound and a solution of sodium hypochlorite which is toxic in nature and used widely for lightening and cleaning purposes.
Acetone is an organic compound that is present in the human body in the blood and urine. The chemical formula used for presenting this substance is C3H6O. Acetone is commonly used for cleaning purposes and the main component in nail polish remover and it is available at an affordable price.
Bleach is an inorganic solution of sodium hypochlorite which is used for cleaning and whitening purpose. This substance is categorized into three aspects, based on chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and peroxide. It is used on various surfaces that include fabric, hair, etc. Bleach is commonly represented by using the chemical formula NaOCl.
Comparison Table Between Acetone and Bleach
| Parameters of Comparison | Acetone | Bleach |
| Nature | Acetone is an organic compound that was discovered first in the year 1832 | Bleach is an inorganic compound that was first discovered in the year 1785 |
| Chemical Formula | It is represented with the chemical formula C3H6O | It is represented with the chemical formula NaOCl |
| Flammable | It is flammable | It is inflammable |
| Toxic | If consume excessively it may cause irritation | It is comparatively more toxic and can damage the stomach and lungs |
| Solvent | Acetone is a reliable solvent | Bleach is not commonly used as a solvent |
| Affordability | It is available at a more affordable price | It is available at a comparatively less affordable price |
| Use | Effectively use in nail polish and paint remover and as a thinner as well | It is used to remove stains and clean or whiten the surfaces |
What is Acetone?
Acetone is a colorless organic compound that is widely used for household cleaning purposes. This substance is effectively used in paint and nail polish removers. It is naturally present in plants, trees, and even in the human body in blood and urine. Consuming or exposure to acetone in an extensive level can have severe effects on the body.
Due to the chemical structure and property, this substance can dissolve or collapse the other material like paint or grease and hence effectively used in removing paints. Acetone is also called propanone and dimethyl ketone. For industry purposes, acetone is extensively used in removing gum, making lacquers and plastic. This substance is flammable and easily catches the fire. If consumed in a high amount, it can cause acetone poisoning.
What is Bleach?
Bleach is an inorganic solution of sodium hypochlorite majorly used for cleaning purposes. It is represented by using the chemical formula NaOCl. Bleach is further categorized into various types depending upon the composition and purpose for which is it being used. The household bleach is prepared by using chlorine, water, and caustic soda as raw materials.
Bleaches are good oxidizing agents and are effectively used to remove colors. The chemical properties and effectiveness of bleaches may vary from one another to some extent depending on the chemicals and composition used. Bleach is used tremendously for commercial and domestic purposes. It is not exactly a cleaning substance but a disinfectant and used to remove stains. Bleach should not be mixed with vinegar otherwise it may result in unsafe or dangerous consequences.
Main Differences Between Acetone and Bleach
- Acetone and bleach are quite beneficial compounds that are effectively used for various purposes. Discovered in the year 1832, acetone is an organic compound represented with the chemical formula C3H6O. While bleach on the other side was discovered in the year 1785 and represented with the chemical formula NaOCl.
- In the flammable aspect, acetone is a flammable liquid that can evaporate easily. On the contrary, bleach is an inflammable compound that has the properties to make some explosive compounds or substances as well when is mixed with substances like ammonia and acetylene.
- Based on the constituting components, bleach is categorized into three major types that are based on chlorine, Sulphur dioxide, and peroxide. But acetone on the other hand is not classified into different agents or substances.
- Bleach is comparatively more toxic than acetone. If consume excessively acetone may irritate the skin and eyes. But consumption of bleach can damage the stomach and lungs and can also cause the death of the person. If an individual inhales the bleach fumes then it can damage the lungs.
- Acetone has a high production capacity as it is commonly used in households for cleansing purposes and also use in nail polish and paint remover and hence it is available at affordable prices. While bleach on the other side is available at less affordable prices or higher prices as compared to acetone.
Conclusion
Acetone and bleach are quite popular chemical compounds that are commonly used for various domestic purposes. Acetone is an organic compound presented with the chemical formula C3H6O while bleach on the other side is presented with the chemical formula NaOCl. Both of these substances are also used for laboratories and industrial purposes. Acetone is more readily available at comparatively affordable prices than bleach because it has high production. In toxicity aspect, bleach is more toxic than acetone and can damage the stomach and lungs of a person and may also lead to death. But acetone on the other side is flammable and less injurious.
Reference
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022391399700600
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0109564104000776