A C E T O N F I
T. 1’. WALKER, Cornmercisl Solvennts Corporation, New York, N. Y.
N
T H E first World War, “Cordite” powrlcr was an important munition. In its production acetone was a vital solvcnt. The war needs of Great Britain, and suhsequently of the Allies, for Cordite created a demand for a higlily refined grade of acet,one in large quantities. The year 1914 saw approximately 10,500,000 pounds of acetone protliiccd from hardwood distillation, an amount far iincler war needs. Although it represented tho largest yearly prodi~ctionever achieved up to that time, the quality of tlie product was not sufficiently high to render i t satisfactory for use in making Cordite. In a fermentation process whose original purpose was the peaceful advancement of synthetic rubber production, a war source of acetone was found that provided both the quality and the quantity required. In the months that followed, several plants began t.o operate by this new process, and tons of acetone supplied the demand for inore Cordite. Production, geared to war requirements, was drastically curtailed in the postwar period in an endeavor to scale production to the limited peacetime nceds for this solvent. The sharp reduction in output saw only 6,000,000 pounds produced in 1919, and a further shrinkage in 1921 to approximately 4,500,000 pounds. At the same time that acetone sales were in the doldrums, a new and thriving industry was being launched-the maniifacture of cellulose acetnte silk. The need for acetone in spinning the new silk again created a rapidly rising demand for this solvent, and the new industry called for more and more acetone. The year 1927 saw the demand for acetone rise in excess of 25,Mw),000 pounds yearly. The interest of the chemical in-
dustry, stimulated by the rapidly growing demand for the solvent, was then focuscd on new methods of manufacture. Intercst led to research, aud research to the now well-known process syntlrcsisin~acetone from petroleum by-products. Expanded facilities for the production of acetone by both fermentation and synthesis have kept pace with the steadily growing demand. Tlie plienomenal expansion of the rayon industry, the wide use of cellulose acetate plastics, the development of new synthetic resins, have contributed substantially to the growing market for acetone. Other new uses have developed and potential outlets are constantly being investigated. This rapid rise in demand is seen in Tariff Commission figures on sales for the past seven years: 1933 1934 1935 1936
42,206,443 Lb. 42.615.312 60 124 067 04:051:128
1937 1938 1939
08,772,268 Lb.
87,041,181 100,935.422
As available tonnage has increased from year to year, the price oi acetone bas steadily decreased. From the almost fantastic 1918 war price of over 50 cents, the cost to the consumer has declined to the current level of 5 cents per pound. Price reduction has been a considerable factor in expanding the outlets for this solvent. The production of this versatile solvent of such high purity is the result of a technique built up over a period of years. This technique represents a high degree of experienced industrial skill that can be relied upon to discharge its future obligations.
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PILLBOXDBA So THATIT M A Y R E CON-
A
VISED
STRUCTED I N A
SINGLEDAY It is 1.5 feet thick with B wun emplmemcnt i4 feet I n dimeter‘ it can also be used as a bombproof sheiter.
