Acetone is produced directly or indirectly from propylene. Most commonly, in the cumene process, benzene is alkylated with propene and the resulting cumene (isopropylbenzene) is oxidized to give phenol and acetone:
- C6H5CH(CH3)2 + O2 → C6H5OH + (CH3)2CO
This conversion entails the intermediacy of cumene hydroperoxide, C6H5C(OOH)(CH3)2.
Older production methods
Previously, acetone was produced by the dry distillation of acetates, for example calcium acetate. During World War I acetone was produced via bacterial fermentation, as developed by Chaim Weizmann (later the first president of Israel ) in order to help the British war effort. This Acetone Butanol Ethanol process was abandoned due to the small yields
Small amounts of acetone are produced in the body by the decarboxylation of ketone bodies.
