Acetone Health Dictionary

Acetone is a volatile, colourless organic compound of the KETONE group produced by the partial oxidation of fatty acids. In some abnormal conditions, such as starvation, uncontrolled diabetes (see DIABETES MELLITUS) or prolonged vomiting, acetone and other ketones can accumulate in the blood. Acetone may then appear in the urine, along with beta-hydroxybutyric and aceotacic acids, presaging developing COMA.

n. an organic compound that is an intermediate in many bacterial fermentations and is produced by fatty acid oxidation. In certain abnormal conditions (for example, starvation) acetone and other *ketones may accumulate in the blood (see ketosis). Acetone is a volatile liquid that is miscible with both fats and water and therefore of great value as a solvent. It is used in chromatography and in the preparation of tissues for enzyme extraction.