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Product Overview
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade (CAS 78-93-3) is a high-purity, colorless, highly volatile organic solvent. Also known as 2-Butanone, this ACS-grade material is engineered for analytical and industrial applications requiring minimal impurities. It features a specific gravity of approximately 0.805 g/mL at 25°C and a boiling range of 79–81°C, ensuring predictable evaporation rates in controlled environments.
As an ACS Reagent Grade solvent, this product meets stringent specifications for purity (typically ≥99.0%), low water content, and trace metal limits. It is designed for use in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), pharmaceutical extraction, and high-performance coating formulations. The solvent provides excellent solvency for resins, adhesives, and gums while maintaining the chemical consistency required for sensitive laboratory workflows.
Key Properties
- Chemical Name: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
- Synonyms: 2-Butanone, Butanone
- Grade: ACS Reagent Grade
- CAS Number: 78-93-3
- Formula: C4H8O
- Purity (Assay): ≥99.0%
- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
- Boiling Point: 79-81°C
- Flash Point: -9°C to 11°C (Closed Cup)
- Specific Gravity: 0.805 g/mL (25°C)
- Water Content: ≤0.05%
Common Applications
- HPLC Mobile Phase: Utilized in reversed-phase chromatography due to UV transparency and low residue.
- Surface Coating Solvents: Acts as a primary solvent in high-solids acrylic, urethane, and vinyl coatings.
- Adhesive Formulations: Effective thinner for reducing viscosity in industrial adhesives and sealants.
- Precision Cleaning: Removes oils, resins, and residues from metal parts and manufacturing equipment.
- Chemical Synthesis: Functions as a reaction medium or extraction solvent in pharmaceutical processing.
Safety Precautions
Flammability Warning: MEK is a Class 3 Flammable Liquid. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, sparks, and open flames. Use only non-sparking tools and grounded equipment during transfer.
Handling: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including solvent-resistant gloves and safety goggles. Use in a fume hood or well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of vapors. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency and disposal procedures.
Benefits
- ACS Grade Purity: Complies with ACS Reagent standards for reliable analytical results.
- High Solvency: Effectively dissolves a wide range of resins, gums, and cellulose esters.
- Low Residue: Minimal non-volatile matter (≤0.001%) prevents contamination in sensitive processes.
- Versatile Packaging: Available in sizes ranging from 1 Quart bottles to 55 Gallon drums.
Related Products
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Formula | C4H8O |
| Grade | ACS |
| Flash Point | -4 |
| Form | Liquid |
| Solubility | High water miscibility, excellent organic solvent |
| Appearance | Volatile clear liquid, colorless, mobile |
| Melting Point | -86 °C |
| Boiling Point | 79.6 °C |
| Specific Gravity | 0.805 |
| Industry | Industrial, Chemical, Solvent, Research |
Frequently Asked Questions About Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade
What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade and what is its chemical formula?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade 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) ACS Grade in ACS grade for laboratory, industrial, and commercial applications.
What are the physical properties of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade?
According to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade is supplied as a volatile clear liquid, colorless, mobile. 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: High water miscibility, excellent organic solvent.
What grade and purity of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade does Alliance Chemical offer?
Alliance Chemical offers Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade in ACS grade. 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) ACS Grade?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade serves a wide range of sectors, including Industrial, Chemical, Solvent, and Research.Alliance Chemical provides the documentation and quality certifications required for use in regulated environments.
What PPE is required when handling Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade?
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) ACS Grade?
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) ACS Grade?
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) ACS Grade?
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) ACS Grade 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) ACS Grade?
Yes. Alliance Chemical provides a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every lot of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade. 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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