Acetone

What is the chemical formula of nail polish remover?

The chemical formula of nail polisher remover is dependent upon the ingredients in the mixture. Nail polish remover base commonly contains a mixture of two organic solvents acetone and ethyl acetate.

Acetone belongs to a group of organic molecules called ketones or alkanones. The proper name acetone is propanone. It is also sometimes called 2-propanone.

Acetone is an organic liquid that is colorless, flammable and is often used as a solvent as it is completely miscible with water and nearly all other organic liquids. Acetone has a low boiling point 56.5 °C or 134 °F and readily vaporizes and has a distinctive odor.

The molecular formula for acetone is C₃H₆O. The condensed structural formula of acetone is OC(CH₃)₂ and its complete structural formula is shown by the diagram below.

Ethyl acetate belongs to a group of organic molecules called esters or alkyl alkanoates. The proper name for ethyl acetate is ethyl ethanoate. The molecular formula of ethyl acetate is C₄H₈O₂ and its complete structural formula is shown by the diagram below.

Low molecular weight esters such as ethyl ethanoate are commonly used as solvents.