Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade

Product Overview

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) ACS Grade, with the chemical formula C₄H₈O, is a colorless, highly volatile organic solvent exhibiting strong solvency across a broad range of substrates. This ACS-grade material is designed for analytical and industrial applications where high-purity solvent performance is essential. Its low acidity and controlled impurity profile, including ultra-trace metal control and minimal aldehyde content, support reliable outcomes in sensitive analytical workflows and coating formulations. Typical assay purity ranges from 99.0% to 100.5%, with GC-FID or standardized titration used for purity confirmation, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency for demanding processes. The solvent’s physical properties—including a boiling range near 79–81°C, density around 0.805 g/mL at 25°C, and a flash point of 11°C—enable predictable evaporation rates and solvent behavior in closed-loop production environments. Product supplied under ACS-grade specifications aligns with established chemical quality standards such as the ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph requirements, delivering performance that meets stringent regulatory and quality-control expectations.

The MEK ACS Grade is suitable for analytical laboratories and manufacturing settings where precise solvent characteristics drive reproducible results. In addition to its primary role as a versatile solvent, MEK serves as an effective component in HPLC mobile phases, coatings formulations, adhesive thinning, pharmaceutical extraction, and cleaning processes. Its compatibility with water and many organic solvents, combined with a manageable vapor pressure, supports efficient formulation and handling across multiple industry segments. The product is manufactured and tested following rigorous industry guidelines to ensure compliance with applicable standards and to support stable, traceable performance in critical applications.

Key Properties

• Property Name: Chemical Formula
• Chemical Formula: C₄H₈O
• Molecular Weight: 72.11 g/mol
• Boiling Point (range): 79-81°C
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 0.8075 (typical), 0.805–0.81 (range)
• Density (25°C): 0.805 g/mL
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Odor: Sweet, acetone-like odor
• Flash Point: 11°C
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 150 mmHg
• Viscosity (25°C): 0.43 cP
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.378
• CAS: 78-93-3
• Water Content (KF): ≤0.05% (typical 0.01%)

Common Applications

• HPLC Mobile Phase: Commonly used as a mobile phase component in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for separating organic compounds.
• Solvent for Coatings: Utilized as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and coatings due to its effective solvency.
• Adhesive Thinner: Serves as a thinner for adhesives and sealants, improving application properties.
• Extraction Solvent: Used in extraction processes for various pharmaceutical compounds.
• Cleaning Agent: Effective in cleaning and degreasing metal parts and machinery.

Safety Precautions

HANDLE and STORE with care: MEK ACS Grade is highly flammable and should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and open flames. Use containers made of HDPE or glass to minimize reactive interactions, and keep containers tightly closed when not in use. Personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves and splash goggles, should be worn during handling to prevent skin and eye exposure. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to control inhalation exposure during dispensing and mixing operations.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: Follow SDS guidance for emergency procedures and exposure mitigation. In the event of contact with skin or eyes, rinse with copious amounts of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical evaluation if dizziness or symptoms continue. Do not induce vomiting if ingested; seek medical advice immediately. Transport and labeling should comply with UN 1193, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Class 3, Packing Group II, and applicable regional regulations.

Benefits

✔ High Purity ACS Grade – Meets or exceeds ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph standards, ensuring reliable analytical and manufacturing performance.
✔ Excellent Solvency – Broad solvent effectiveness for coatings, extractions, and analytical mobile phases with predictable evaporation behavior.
✔ Controlled Impurity Profile – Low acidity and trace metal content support sensitive applications and data integrity.
✔ Consistent Quality – Stringent lot-to-lot testing (GC, IC/OES) and a clear specification framework provide traceability and product confidence.