What Is Ketene?
Ketene is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH2CO. The term ‘ketene’ may also refer to compounds where another atomic group replaces one of the hydrogen atoms, and when referring specifically to those with a hydrogen atom, they are sometimes called ketene monomers.
Ketenes with only one hydrogen atom substituted by another substituent are known as aldoketene, while those with both hydrogen atoms substituted are called ketoketene. Ketene is a gaseous substance with a pungent odor at room temperature. Aldoketene is colorless, whereas ketoketene is yellow.
Uses of Ketene
Ketene monomers are highly reactive and can react with various substances, including water, alcohol, and acetic acid. A significant industrial derivative of ketene is dehydroacetic acid. Ketene monomers are utilized in the industrial production of dehydroacetic acid, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is added to cosmetics and food products as an oil-soluble preservative and is also used in the treatment of ringworm. The sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid is also employed as a preservative.