Methyl Ethyl Ketone
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Methyl Ethyl Ketone, also known as Butanone, is a clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor. It is a highly effective solvent widely used in industrial processes due to its excellent solvency, fast evaporation rate, and compatibility with a wide range of substances. MEK is commonly used in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and cleaning formulations.
Category: Solvents(paint)
Tags: Coating solvent, Industrial solvent, MEK solvent, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Surface cleaner
Description
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Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Primary Uses
- Coatings and Paints
- Solvent in lacquers, varnishes, and paints to improve application and drying.
- Enhances film formation and gloss.
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Used as a solvent in adhesives, particularly for bonding plastics and rubber.
- Printing Inks
- Serves as a solvent to improve ink flow and drying characteristics.
- Cleaning and Degreasing
- Effective solvent for cleaning metal surfaces and removing grease and oil.
Secondary Uses
- Chemical Intermediate
- Used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Applied as a solvent in analytical and synthetic laboratory procedures.
- Plastics and Rubber Processing
- Utilized as a solvent in polymer coatings and rubber cements.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Butan-2-one
- Common/Trade Name: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
- CAS Number: 78-93-3
- HS Code: 2914.12.00
- Synonyms: Butanone; MEK; Ethyl methyl ketone
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless; sharp, sweet, ketone-like odor
- Boiling Point: 79.6°C
- Melting Point: -86°C
- Flash Point: -4°C (closed cup)
- Density: 0.805 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Flammable liquid, Category 2; Serious eye irritation, Category 2
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; avoid ingestion and prolonged exposure
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL - 200 ppm; ACGIH TLV - 200 ppm
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources
- Container Type: Supplied in metal drums, plastic containers, or bulk tanks designed for flammable liquids
- Shelf Life: Stable under proper storage conditions for several years
- Handling Precautions: Use explosion-proof equipment; avoid inhalation and skin contact; wear appropriate PPE
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with international chemical safety standards and regulations (e.g., REACH, OSHA)
- Listed on major chemical inventories worldwide
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate environmental impact
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing recommended
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; prevent vapor accumulation; ground and bond containers during transfer
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and away from incompatible substances
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical assistance
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
- Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Evacuate area; wear full protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic gases under fire conditions
Related products
Acetone
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Butanol
Butanol (also known as n-Butanol or Normal Butanol) is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. It is a four-carbon primary alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O. Butanol is moderately soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents. Its physical and chemical properties make it a versatile solvent and chemical intermediate. Butanol indicates a high purity grade often used in industrial, pharmaceutical, and chemical synthesis applications.
Butyl Glycol
Butyl Glycol, also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, sweet ether-like odor. It is an organic solvent classified as a glycol ether, with the molecular formula C6H14O2. Butyl Glycol is highly miscible with water, alcohols, and many organic solvents. It is widely used in industrial and commercial applications due to its excellent solvent properties, low volatility, and moderate toxicity. Its high solvency and compatibility with both aqueous and organic phases make it valuable in coatings, cleaning products, inks, and adhesives.
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate is a clear, colorless, volatile organic solvent with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of pear drops. It is an ester formed by the condensation of ethanol and acetic acid. Known for its excellent solvency, low toxicity, and rapid evaporation rate, Ethyl Acetate is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis. It is miscible with most organic solvents and partially soluble in water. Ethyl Acetate offers high volatility, making it ideal for quick-drying formulations.
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone (MIBK) is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sharp, sweet odor. It is a versatile solvent widely used in industrial applications due to its excellent solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and chemical stability. MIBK is commonly utilized in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and chemical synthesis.
N-Butanol
N-Butanol (1-butanol) is a four-carbon linear alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₉OH. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild, alcoholic odor. N-Butanol is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the manufacture of plasticizers, butyl acrylate, and other chemicals. Its moderate volatility and solvent properties make it valuable in industrial and commercial applications.
Normal Butyl Acetate
Normal Butyl Acetate (n-Butyl Acetate) is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. It is an ester formed by the reaction of acetic acid and n-butanol. Widely used as a solvent in various industries, it offers excellent solvency for many resins and coatings, making it a preferred choice in paints, adhesives, and inks. Its moderate evaporation rate contributes to good application properties.
White Spirit
White Spirit is a clear, colorless, petroleum-derived solvent widely used in industrial, commercial, and household applications. It is composed primarily of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, offering excellent solvency properties, moderate evaporation rate, and low odor varieties. White Spirit serves as a powerful degreaser, paint thinner, and cleaning agent, facilitating effective removal of oils, greases, and paints.

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