The interaction of acetone, a model polar organic solvent, with single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) was studied by a combination of temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Sonication induces �capture� of acetone molecules by SWCNT as well as partial chemical decomposition of acetone. Our results suggest that acetone adsorbed at cryogenic temperatures forms at least three adsorption states on the surface of SWCNTs. The results of experiments involving the introduction and removal of chemical functionality on SWCNTs enable the nature of possible adsorption sites to be assigned.