Acetylacetone can be used as:
- A multifunctional ligand in the synthesis and feasible functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
- A reactant to synthesize 9,10-dihydroacridines by reacting with methyl acetoacetate and Morita-Baylis-Hillman acetates.
- A reagent in the synthesis of ZrO2(zirconium dioxide) via hydrolysis of Zr(OC3H7n)4. Acetylacetone controls the hydrolysis and condensation rates of alkoxides and thus, the nucleation and growth rates of oxides.