Chemical laboratory

Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Industrial-Grade Solvent for Coatings and Adhesives

  • CAS 78-93-3
  • Formula C₄H₈O
  • Flash Pt -6°C
  • Density 0.805 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 79.6°C °C
Flash point -6°C °C
Density 0.805 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Miscible with water -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 72.11 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -86.4 °C °C
Vapor pressure 78 mmHg at 20°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 515 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Acetone-like -
Vapor density 2.41 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a clear, colorless organic solvent with the chemical formula C₄H₈O and CAS number 78-93-3. Known for its exceptional solvency power and fast evaporation rate, MEK is one of the most versatile ketone solvents used across multiple industries. With a boiling point of 79.6°C and miscibility with water, this acetone-like solvent offers excellent performance characteristics for demanding industrial applications.

Key Applications

  • Paint and Coatings Industry: MEK serves as a primary solvent for nitrocellulose lacquers, vinyl resins, and acrylic coatings, providing excellent film formation and finish quality.
  • Adhesive Manufacturing: Its strong solvency makes it ideal for formulating contact cements, rubber adhesives, and pressure-sensitive adhesives used in automotive and construction applications.
  • Industrial Cleaning: MEK effectively removes oils, greases, and residues from metal surfaces in manufacturing processes, particularly in electronics and precision equipment cleaning.
  • Chemical Processing: Functions as an extraction solvent and chemical intermediate in the production of specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds.

Safety & Handling

MEK requires careful handling due to its low flash point of -6°C and high flammability. Ensure proper ventilation and eliminate ignition sources when working with this solvent. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory protection should be used. The vapor density of 2.41 means vapors will accumulate in low-lying areas, requiring adequate air circulation and vapor monitoring systems.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store MEK in tightly sealed containers away from heat, sparks, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids. Maintain storage temperatures below 25°C in well-ventilated areas with appropriate fire suppression systems. Use only approved containers made of steel or compatible plastics. When properly stored, MEK maintains its quality for extended periods without significant degradation.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable supply of high-quality Methyl Ethyl Ketone Mek with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS, LTL, and full truckload shipments to meet your volume requirements. Every order includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

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Available Sizes

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) - 1 Quart

1 Quart

$25.30

 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) - 1 Gallon

1 Gallon

$57.00

 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) - 5 Gallon Pail

5 Gallon Pail

$285.00

 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) - 55 Gallon Drum

55 Gallon Drum

$2,700.00
View all sizes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and what is it used for?
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK, CAS 78-93-3, C4H8O) is a colorless, low-boiling solvent used in paints, coatings, adhesives, printing inks, cleaning agents and as a reaction solvent in chemical and laboratory processes. It is valued for rapid evaporation and strong solvency for resins and oils.
How should I store MEK and what is its typical shelf life?
Store MEK in tightly closed, labeled containers in a cool, well‑ventilated area away from heat, sparks, open flames and oxidizers, preferably in a certified flammable‑liquid cabinet; ground and bond containers during transfer. Typical unopened shelf life is about 1–3 years under proper storage; always follow the supplier's storage recommendations and check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for lot-specific guidance.
Is MEK hazardous and what personal protective equipment (PPE) or controls are recommended?
MEK is highly flammable and can irritate eyes, skin and the respiratory tract; avoid ignition sources and minimize inhalation and skin contact. Use explosion‑proof ventilation, chemical‑resistant gloves, eye protection and, if needed, a respirator per the Safety Data Sheet (SDS); have fire extinguishing equipment rated for flammable liquids available.
What concentration grades of MEK are available and how do they differ?
MEK is sold in multiple grades: industrial/technical grades for coatings and cleaning (typically 90–100% with possible stabilizers), and high‑purity/reagent grades (≥99% or HPLC grade) for laboratory use. Differences include purity, water content, presence of stabilizers or denaturants, and accompanying quality documentation like a COA.
What documentation is provided when I purchase MEK?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) for purity and impurity limits, and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS); shipping documents and regulatory compliance data (VOC content, local reporting) are available on request. Always review the SDS and COA before use.
How is MEK classified for transport and what packaging options are common?
MEK is classified as UN 1193, Class 3 (flammable liquid) for transport and must be shipped according to ADR/IMDG/IATA and local regulations. Common packaging includes steel drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs/totes) and bulk tankers, with smaller quantities in UN‑rated safety containers.
Which materials are compatible with MEK and which should be avoided?
MEK is compatible with materials such as stainless steel, glass and PTFE; these are commonly used for storage and handling systems. It attackes or swells many plastics and elastomers (for example PVC, polystyrene, natural rubber and some Buna rubbers), so always test or consult compatibility charts for seals, gaskets and coatings.
What are the key technical specifications I should check for MEK?
Key specs include CAS 78-93-3, formula C4H8O, molecular weight 72.11 g/mol, boiling point ≈79.6 °C, density ≈0.805 g/mL at 20 °C and a low flash point (highly flammable); purity is specified by grade (e.g., ≥99% for reagent grade). For exact lot values and acceptance criteria, refer to the product COA and SDS.
Which industries and applications commonly use MEK?
MEK is widely used in paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, printing inks, cleaning and degreasing operations, polymer and chemical intermediate production, and laboratory solvent applications. Its fast evaporation and strong solvency make it popular where rapid drying and resin dissolution are required.
How do I purchase MEK and what questions should I ask a supplier?
Buy MEK from chemical distributors or producers in the grade and packaging that match your application (drums, IBCs, bulk); request the SDS, COA, lead times, minimum order quantity, and transport restrictions. Also confirm local regulatory requirements, storage recommendations and any needed permits before ordering.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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