Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

Product Overview

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), also known as Butanone or 2-Butanone, is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet, acetone-like odor. Its molecular formula is C₄H₈O and it is widely used across multiple industries due to its excellent solvent properties, effective dissolution of a broad range of polymers, resins, and coatings. MEK demonstrates strong performance as a cleaning solvent and as a reaction medium in chemical syntheses, offering favorable evaporation rates and compatibility with many analytical and manufacturing workflows. Typical assay range from 99.0% to 100.5% with a typical value of 99.8% (titration with standardized NaOH), and it presents a low water content under strict quality controls to minimize impurities that could affect processing or analytical outcomes.

In addition to its utility as a solvent, MEK serves as a versatile intermediate in chemical synthesis and is employed as an extraction medium in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The material is manufactured to ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF Monograph standards, reflecting rigorous impurity control and trace metal specifications to support demanding downstream applications. To preserve performance, MEK is stored and handled under controlled conditions, with attention to moisture, light exposure, and compatible container materials.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Sweet, acetone-like odor
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₈O
• Chemical Formula: C₄H₈O
• Molecular Weight: 72.11 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 79-81°C
• Freezing Point: -86°C
• Density (25°C): 0.805 g/mL
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 80 mmHg
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.378
• Viscosity (25°C): 0.43 cP
• Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, and ether
• Flash Point: 11°C (52°F)
• CAS: 78-93-3
• HS Code: 2914.11.0000

Common Applications

• Application Category: HPLC Mobile Phase — Used as a mobile phase component in reversed-phase HPLC for separating organic compounds with reliable peak shapes and solvent strength.
• Application Category: Solvent for Coatings — Employed in paints, coatings, and adhesives formulations due to broad polymer solubility and favorable evaporation characteristics.
• Application Category: Extraction Medium — Applicable in liquid-liquid extraction processes to isolate pharmaceutical intermediates in manufacturing settings.
• Application Category: Cleaning Agent — Effective degreasing solvent for metal parts and equipment in diverse industrial environments.
• Application Category: Chemical Intermediate — Serves as a precursor in synthesis of plastics, resins, and related chemicals, enabling efficient reaction pathways.

Safety Precautions

MEK should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, with containers made of HDPE or glass to minimize material interactions. Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves and splash-resistant goggles during handling, and ensure containers are kept away from strong oxidizers and acids. Maintain minimal exposure to light and moisture to preserve product integrity, and implement proper grounding to prevent static discharge during transfer or mixing operations.

In case of exposure, follow SDS guidance: MEK is a highly flammable liquid and vapor (GHS Flammable Liquid Category 2); it can cause serious eye irritation (GHS Eye Irritation Category 2) and may cause drowsiness or dizziness (GHS Specific Target Organ Toxicity single exposure Category 3). In an emergency, extinguishers rated for flammable liquids should be used; evacuate personnel as needed and ventilate the area. Eye exposure requires prolonged flushing with water, while ingestion or inhalation incidents require immediate medical attention. Refer to the SDS for complete first aid and emergency procedures.

Benefits

MEK offers precise, repeatable solvent performance with strong compatibility across coatings, adhesives, and analytical workflows. This product supports efficient processing, rapid drying, and compatibility with common materials in industrial environments. ✔ High Purity ACS Reagent Grade – Ensures low impurity levels for sensitive applications and accurate analytical results.
✔ Broad Solubility – Dissolves a wide range of polymers and coatings, enabling versatile formulation and cleaning capabilities.