Bromoacetone
Turning violent on impact, bromoacetone is a clear, colorless liquid. It is denser than
water and will not dissolve. It turns into a black resinous mass, if it stands for a long
period of time. Bromoacetone is toxic when inhaled and may cause painful burns.
Small amounts can be very irritating to your eyes, while high concentrations or consistent
exposure at low concentrations may have negative impacts on your health.
Acetone
Evaporating easily, acetone by itself dissolves in water. It has a distinct smell and
offensive taste. You can use acetone as a solvent to dissolve substances, such as paints, varnishes and lacquers. Some household products containing acetone include fingernail polish remover, paint remover, polishes, cleaning products and rubber cement.
Bromine
Produced from salt brine in the United States, China and the Dead Sea, bromine is a reddish-brown liquid in its elemental form. Bromine is a bleach. It is highly reactive, poisonous in fluid form and harmful to your skin, eyes and respiratory tract in vapor form. Commercially, you will find bromine as a component of bromide. Bromide is a raw material used to produce brominated products, such as flame retardants, medicines, paints and pesticides.
Warning
Wear gloves to protect yourself from harm or adverse reactions when using acetone, bromine or bromoacetone. Cover your eyes with the appropriate safety gear and wear protective clothing to help prevent skin contact. To avoid a violent chemical reaction, never, under any circumstances use acetone to clean or wash a container used to store or hold a substance with bromine. If you get a bromide burn, soak the area in 0.6M sodium thiosulfate solution and seek immediate medical assistance. Follow all safety precautions as defined by your lab, school, office or work environment, where there is access or exposure to acetone and bromine.