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Product Overview
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), also known as Butanone, is a highly volatile, colorless liquid organic compound. As a solvent with the formula C₄H₈O, it is valued in industrial settings for its exceptional solvency power and fast evaporation rate. It effectively dissolves a wide range of gums, resins, cellulose acetate, and nitrocellulose coatings. MEK is a standard component in the formulation of high-solids coatings, adhesives, and printing inks, and serves as a heavy-duty degreaser for machinery and metal parts.
This material is specifically manufactured for industrial processing, manufacturing, and general purpose solvent applications. It provides consistent performance for thinning applications and surface preparation. MEK is miscible with oil and water, making it versatile for various chemical processing requirements.
Key Properties
- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
- Odor: Characteristic, sharp, sweet odor
- CAS Number: 78-93-3
- Formula: C₄H₈O
- Molecular Weight: 72.11 g/mol
- Boiling Point: 79.6°C (175.3°F)
- Density: 0.805 g/mL at 25°C
- Flash Point: -9°C (16°F)
- Solubility: Soluble in water; miscible with ethanol and ether
Common Applications
- Surface Coatings: Used as a primary solvent in nitrocellulose, acrylic, and vinyl surface coatings due to its low viscosity and high evaporation rate.
- Adhesives & Sealants: Acts as a solvent for rubber-based industrial cements and adhesives, ensuring proper viscosity and curing times.
- Equipment Cleaning: A potent degreaser for cleaning industrial equipment, removing heavy oils, tars, and residues from metal surfaces.
- Printing Inks: Utilized in the formulation of printing inks, particularly for rotogravure and flexographic printing.
- Chemical Intermediate: Serves as a precursor and reaction medium in the synthesis of plastics and various industrial chemicals.
Safety Precautions
Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a highly flammable liquid and vapor. It must be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Proper grounding and bonding are required during transfer to prevent static discharge.
Handling: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Avoid breathing vapors or mist. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. In case of contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive safety and emergency information.
Benefits
- High Solvency: Quickly dissolves resins, adhesives, and tough industrial residues.
- Fast Evaporation: Allows for rapid drying times in coating and cleaning applications.
- Versatile Packaging: Available in sizes from 1 Quart up to 55 Gallon Drums to suit small workshops or large-scale manufacturing.
Related Products
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Formula | C4H8O |
| Assay | 100% |
| Grade | Technical |
| Flash Point | -4 |
| Form | Liquid |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohols |
| Appearance | Clear volatile liquid, pale colorless |
| Melting Point | -86 °C |
| Boiling Point | 79.6 °C |
| Specific Gravity | 0.805 |
| Industry | Industrial, Chemical, Petroleum |
Frequently Asked Questions About Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and what is its chemical formula?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H8O, registered under CAS Number 78-93-3 by the Chemical Abstracts Service (PubChem), with a molecular weight of 72.11 g/mol. Alliance Chemical supplies Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in Technical grade for laboratory, industrial, and commercial applications.
What are the physical properties of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
According to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is supplied as a clear volatile liquid, pale colorless. It has a melting point of -86°C, a boiling point of 79.6°C, a flash point of -4. The specific gravity is 0.805 relative to water. Solubility: Miscible with water, alcohols.
What grade and purity of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) does Alliance Chemical offer?
Alliance Chemical offers Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in Technical grade with a purity assay of 100%. Every lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prepared in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and GHS Revision 7. Download SDS.
What are common industrial applications of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) serves a wide range of sectors, including Industrial, Chemical, and Petroleum.Alliance Chemical provides the documentation and quality certifications required for use in regulated environments.
What PPE is required when handling Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
OSHA-mandated PPE per 29 CFR 1910.132-138:Nitrile gloves (8+ mil), safety goggles, flame-resistant clothing, grounded footwear, closed-toe chemical-resistant footwear. Respiratory protection (organic vapor cartridge) required in areas exceeding PEL/TLV per 29 CFR 1910.134. Emergency eyewash station and safety shower must be accessible within 10 seconds per ANSI Z358.1. Consult the SDS available from Alliance Chemical for complete PPE requirements.
What are the storage requirements for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
Store perOSHA 29 CFR 1910.106: Approved flammable storage cabinet, maximum 60 gallons per cabinet, grounding/bonding required. Temperature range:15-25°C. Segregate from:oxidizers, ignition sources. Maximum storage:2-3 years unopened.
What is the emergency spill procedure for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
Emergency response per EPA SPCC (40 CFR 112) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120: (1) Alert personnel, evacuate area to 100 feet. (2) Eliminate ignition sources if flammable. (3) Don PPE per SDS Section 8. (4) Stop leak if safe; use emergency shutoffs. (5) Contain with non-combustible absorbent materials, dike with sand/earth. (6)Absorb with vermiculite or commercial spill kits. (7) Collect in DOT-approved containers, label as hazardous waste. Check 40 CFR 302.4 for Reportable Quantity. Emergency: Chemtel 1-800-255-3924 (24/7). Non-emergency: Alliance Chemical 512-365-6838.
What is the DOT shipping classification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
DOT Classification per 49 CFR 172.101:UN1993 (Flammable Liquid, N.O.S.), Hazard Class3 (Flammable), Packing GroupII/III. Requires: Hazmat shipping papers (49 CFR 172.200), UN specification packaging (49 CFR 173), hazmat labels (172.400). Alliance Chemical ships all orders in DOT-compliant packaging with proper documentation.
How must Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) waste be disposed?
Disposal per RCRA (40 CFR 261-265):Characteristic waste D001 (Ignitable, flash point <60°C). Generator requirements: EPA ID number required if >100 kg/month (40 CFR 262.12). Use EPA-permitted Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility (TSDF). Never discharge to sewer without POTW written approval (40 CFR 403). Container disposal: Triple rinse (40 CFR 261.7), offer for reconditioning/recycling. State regulations may be more stringent — check with your local environmental agency. Consult the Alliance Chemical SDS for product-specific disposal guidance.
Does Alliance Chemical provide an SDS and COA for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)?
Yes. Alliance Chemical provides a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every lot of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). The SDS is prepared in accordance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 7, covering all 16 required sections including hazard identification, first aid measures, firefighting measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, and regulatory information. The SDS is available for download directly from this product page. COAs are available upon request by contacting Alliance Chemical at 512-365-6838.
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