Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) ACS Grade

Product Overview

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) ACS Grade is an organic solvent used across scientific, laboratory, and specialized industrial sectors where material purity is critical. Famously represented by the molecular formula C6H12O and registered under CAS 108-10-1, this medium-boiling ketone serves as an excellent solvent for various gums, resins, paints, varnishes, lacquers, and nitrocellulose. It offers a balanced evaporation rate and high solvency power, making it a reliable choice for formulations requiring exact control over dry times and viscosity. As a key agent in extraction and analytical applications, this clear, colorless liquid provides consistent performance in demanding laboratory environments.

Our MIBK is manufactured and packaged to meet the stringent specifications established by the American Chemical Society (ACS). In industrial processes where impurities can poison catalysts or disrupt chemical reactions, selecting a high-purity ACS grade solvent is paramount. Alliance Chemical ensures that each batch undergoes testing to verify compliance with ACS guidelines, minimizing variables in critical workflows. This product possesses a characteristic pleasant odor, a molecular weight of 100.16, and is less dense than water with a density of 0.802 at 68 °F, allowing it to float if mixed with water under non-emulsifying conditions.

Why This Grade

The American Chemical Society (ACS) grade designation specifies strict limits on impurities such as water, acidity, heavy metals, and residue after evaporation. In high-precision research and manufacturing, choosing ACS Grade over technical or industrial grades is necessary because minor contaminant traces can cause unwanted side reactions, damage sensitive instruments, or throw off chromatographic calibrations. For example, excess water in a ketone solvent can significantly lower the solubility of specific polymers or interfere with moisture-sensitive extraction procedures, leading to compromised test results or product failure.

Failing to use the correct high-purity grade of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone can result in severe failure modes, including the precipitation of dissolved resins, cloudiness in clear coatings, and incorrect baseline readings in analytical spectroscopy. When technical grade solvents are substituted where ACS grade is specified, trace organic impurities can act as chain terminators in polymerization reactions or cause unexpected degradation over time. By maintaining strict control over the concentration of free acids and non-volatile residues, ACS Grade MIBK provides chemical distributors and laboratories with the consistency needed to prevent costly batch rejections and instrument downtime.

Industrial Applications

• Laboratory Extraction: Used as a solvent for the separation and extraction of organic compounds, inorganic salts, and mineral complexes in analytical testing protocols.
• Protective Coatings: Serves as an active solvent in the formulation of high-performance polyurethane, epoxy, and nitrocellulose lacquers for aerospace and industrial equipment.
• Chemical Synthesis: Utilized as a reaction medium and chemical intermediate in the synthesis of specialized rubber chemicals, antioxidants, and pharmaceutical precursors.
• Precision Cleaning: Employed in the electronics and aerospace sectors for dewaxing and cleaning delicate components where low-residue evaporation is mandatory.
• Adhesive Formulations: Acts as a primary carrier solvent in neoprene and nitrile rubber-based adhesives, ensuring optimal viscosity and controlled dry rates.

Hazmat & Shipping

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) ACS Grade is classified as a hazardous material for transport. It must be shipped in accordance with DOT regulations as UN1245, Hazard Class 3, and Packing Group II. The proper shipping name is Methyl isobutyl ketone, and the designated signal word is Danger. This highly flammable liquid has a flash point of 73 °F (NTP, 1992) and vapor pressures that require pressure-rated packaging. Safe transport is critical to prevent accidental ignition, as the vapors are heavier than air and can travel considerable distances to an ignition source.

Due to the chemical hazards associated with MIBK, handling requires strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). In compliance with the GHS hazard classifications (including H225 for highly flammable liquid and vapor, H319 for serious eye irritation, H332 for harmful if inhaled, H335 for respiratory irritation, and H351 for suspected of causing cancer), workers must wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective eye goggles, and flame-retardant clothing. Engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation, are required to keep airborne concentrations below exposure limits, and respiratory protection must be utilized when ventilation is inadequate.

Handling & Storage

Store Methyl Isobutyl Ketone in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks, open flames, and other potential ignition sources. The storage area should be constructed of fire-resistant materials and equipped with appropriate ground and bond connections to prevent static discharge during transfer. MIBK is compatible with stainless steel and carbon steel containers but can degrade certain plastics, rubbers, and elastomers; verify container compatibility before transfer. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, strong bases, and reactive metals, which can cause violent exothermic reactions.

Order & Documentation

Alliance Chemical provides comprehensive documentation to support your regulatory and quality assurance workflows. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for every batch of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone to verify purity specifications, and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order to ensure safe handling practices. For custom quantities, bulk packaging options, or specific lead times, please reach out to our team of specialists. You can Request a Quote for bulk purchases or browse our full ketones collection online to Download the SDS for your safety records.

Why Buy from Alliance Chemical

Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has supplied premium industrial chemicals from Taylor, Texas under CAGE Code 1LT50, with a COA and SDS included on every order. For industrial use only.