KETENE

Chemical Properties

Colorless gas; disagreeable odor. Readily polymerizes; cannot be shipped or stored in a gaseous state.

Uses

Acetylating agent, generally reacting with compounds having an active hydrogen atom; reacts with ammonia to give acetamide. Starting point for making various commercially important products, especially acetic anhydride and acetate esters.

Definition

A member of a group of organic compounds, general formula R₂C:CO, where R is hydrogen or an organic radical. The simplest member is the colorless gas ketene, CH₂:CO; the other ketenes are colored because of the presence of the double bonds. Ketenes are unstable and react with other unsaturated compounds to give cyclic compounds.

Hazard

Toxic by inhalation, strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

Raw materials

Preparation Products