Acetone Molecule in 3D: C₃H₆O Structure and Facts

Acetone is a carbon atom double bonded to oxygen with a methyl group on each side. It is a strong solvent best known as nail polish remover. In Molecule Studio you can spin the acetone molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.

3D ball and stick model of the acetone molecule, C3H6OExplore in 3D
Acetone, the nail polish remover, as a 3D ball and stick model in VisionVix Molecule Studio. Click the picture to open it live.

Acetone quick facts

Chemical formulaC₃H₆O
Molar mass58.08 g/mol
Atoms in one molecule10
ShapeFlat around the central carbon
GroupOrganic

What is acetone used for?

  • Nail polish remover
  • Solvent for paints and glues
  • Making plastics

Interesting facts about acetone

  • It is the simplest ketone.
  • It evaporates quickly.
  • The body makes small amounts of acetone.
  • It mixes with water and with oils.

What you can do in 3D

Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.

More organic molecules

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Acetone questions

What is the formula of acetone?

C3H6O, often written (CH3)2CO.

What is acetone used for?

Removing nail polish and as a solvent for paints, glues and plastics.

Is acetone a ketone?

Yes, the simplest one.

Does the body make acetone?

Yes, in small amounts when it burns fat for energy.

Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.