Acetone
Acetone is widely used as a solvent and cleaning agent due to its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds. It plays a key role in organic synthesis, sample preparation, and purification processes. Acetone’s quick evaporation and low boiling point make it ideal for cleaning glassware and removing water from surfaces. It is also used in chromatography, as it can help in separating mixtures. While it's versatile, acetone is volatile and flammable, necessitating proper handling in lab environments, including the use of safety equipment like gloves and fume hoods.