Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) vs Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
Comprehensive comparison of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 79.6°C | 116-117 °C | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) boils 36.4°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | -6°C | 14 °C | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is more flammable |
| Density | 0.805 g/cm³ | 0.802 g/cm³ | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is denser |
| Water Solubility | Miscible with water | Slightly soluble in water (1.9 g/100 mL at 20°C) | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is more soluble |
| pH | N/A | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol | 100.16 g/mol | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is heavier molecule |
| Melting Point | -86.4 °C | -84.7 °C | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) melts 1.7°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 78 mmHg at 20°C | 20 hPa at 20 °C | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is more volatile |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | 515 °C | 460 °C | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) auto-ignites at lower temp |
| Vapor Density | 2.41 (air = 1) | 3.45 (air = 1) | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) vapors sink more |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | Similar appearance |
| Odor | Acetone-like | Acetone-like odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified March 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Best For:
- Industrial solvent
- Laboratory reagent
- Paint and coating solvent
- Adhesive solvent
- Chemical intermediate
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) Best For:
- Solvent for nitrocellulose
- Solvent for lacquers
- Solvent for paints
- Solvent for resins
- Extraction solvent
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) has a lower flash point and requires extra fire precautions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) | Higher flash point generally reduces ignition risk in handling and storage. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) if:
- You specifically need support for industrial solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for laboratory reagent applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
- You can manage stricter flammable-liquid controls for lower flash-point performance.
Choose Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) if:
- You specifically need support for solvent for nitrocellulose applications.
- You specifically need support for solvent for lacquers applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
- Fire-risk controls are a priority and you prefer the higher flash-point option.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | 1 Quart to 4 x 55 Gallon Drums for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | 1 Quart Can to 4 x 55 Gallon Drums for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. | Order by 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) or noon CT Friday for same-business-day outbound from Taylor, TX. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) in various grades and package sizes.