In humans, acetophenone is metabolized to benzoic acid, carbonic acid, and acetone, but it can be also excreted in its original form in feces and saliva.
Deuterated acetophenone smells fruitier than ordinary acetophenone. It also smells slightly of bitter almonds, just like many compounds containing the cyanide or nitrile group (C≡N) - as both C–D and C≡N bonds vibrate at the same frequency (about 2200 cm-1). See also 2-aminoacetophenone