Acetone

Acetone (CH3COCH3) has a similar action to alcohol and has been used as a fixative
and dehydrant for tissue processing, particularly rapid hand-processing of small
specimens. It is widely recommended for fixation as part of the histochemical
demonstration of enzymes where it is generally used cold (4°C). It is an effective lipid
solvent with a rapid action which can make tissues very brittle. Because it is highly
volatile and flammable it is generally not used on automatic tissue processors.

has an intrusive odor and evaporates rapidly, which increases the fire risk unless the
containers are tightly capped. It is an effective dehydrant and some technologists have
used a final acetone bath following ethanols to ensure complete dehydration.

Acetone should not be used on some tissue processors because it will adversely affect
seals and other components of the equipment.

Acetone
 
Advantages:
 
1.      May cause less shrinkage of specimen than ethanol.
 
2.      Not reactive with 0s04 (Osmium tetroxide) remaining in specimen.
 
3.      Miscible with most embedding resins.
 
Disadvantages:
 
1.      Absolute acetone easily contaminated with water.  May result in
incomplete dehydration.
 
2.      Uranyl acetate and phosphotungstic acid are only soluble in dilute
solutions of acetone.