Product Overview
Methyl n-Propyl Ketone (MPK) ACS is a medium-evaporating solvent utilized extensively in specialized industrial applications. As a high-purity ketone, it serves as an effective alternative to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) where a slower evaporation rate is required to optimize surface flow and levelling. Alliance Chemical supplies this compound to meet the strict specifications of the American Chemical Society, ensuring consistent quality and low residue. Our MPK ACS Grade is widely integrated into industrial coating systems, chemical intermediate production, and precise extraction processes across North America. We invite you to explore our full selection of industrial ketones for other manufacturing and laboratory formulations.
This clear, colorless liquid possesses a characteristic ketone odor and exhibits low density relative to water. Because of its specific evaporation profile, it is particularly valued in high-solids paint formulations and lacquers where solvent balance is critical to prevent surface defects — helping to prevent issues like orange peel or solvent entrapment. It offers excellent solvency for a broad range of natural and synthetic resins, including acrylics, epoxies, and vinyl copolymers. By choosing Alliance Chemical as your distributor, you ensure access to dependable supply chains and rigorously managed lot purity.
Why This Grade
The ACS Grade designation signifies that this Methyl n-Propyl Ketone meets or exceeds the strict analytical standards established by the American Chemical Society. This high-purity threshold is crucial because even trace impurities or moisture can disrupt sensitive chemical syntheses, catalytic reactions, and high-precision cleaning applications. In industrial coating and electronic manufacturing processes, utilizing a lower-grade solvent with variable purity introduces unacceptable risks, such as premature cross-linking, surface cloudiness, or residual moisture contamination.
For operations requiring reproducible performance, standard commercial grades often fail to deliver the required low water content and minimal non-volatile residue. Choosing an inferior grade can lead to costly batch rejections, compromised adhesion in polymer films, and erratic chemical reaction kinetics. Utilizing our ACS Grade MPK ensures that your process parameters remain stable and predictable. This minimizes downtime and protects your equipment from corrosion or residue build-up that lower-grade materials might deposit.
Chemical Profile
- CAS Number
- 107-87-9
- Chemical Formula
- C5H10O
- Molecular Weight
- 86.13 g/mol
- Boiling Point
- 212 to 214 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
- Melting Point
- -108 °F (NTP, 1992)
- Flash Point
- 45 °F (NTP, 1992)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.809 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
- Appearance
- Methyl propyl ketone appears as a clear colorless liquid with the odor of fingernail polish. Flash point 45 °F. Less dense than water and soluble in water. Hence floats on water. Density 0.809 g / cm3. Vapors heavier than air.
- Solubility
- 10 to 50 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
- UN Number
- UN1249
- Hazard Class
- Class 3
- Packing Group
- II
- Proper Shipping Name
- METHYL N-PROPYL KETONE
- GHS Signal Word
- Danger
Values sourced from Alliance Chemical's canonical chemistry registry. Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot.
Industrial Applications
- Formulating high-solids industrial surface coatings and lacquers to control drying times, improve surface flow, and prevent film defects.
- Serving as a highly reliable extraction solvent for pharmaceuticals and specialty organic compounds in controlled synthesis environments.
- Acting as an essential chemical intermediate in the manufacture of specialized polymers, plastics, and agricultural formulation aids.
- Utilized as a high-purity precision cleaning agent in electronic components manufacturing to remove organic residues without leaving films.
- Compounding specialized gravure and flexographic printing inks where controlled evaporation is required for high-speed industrial presses.
Hazmat & Shipping
Methyl n-Propyl Ketone is classified as a regulated hazardous material for transport. It must be shipped under the designation UN1249, Hazard Class 3, Packing Group II, with the proper shipping name METHYL N-PROPYL KETONE. The applicable GHS signal word is Danger. This material is highly flammable in liquid and vapor form, requiring specialized transport packaging and strict compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. All shipments are dispatched from our facilities using certified carriers trained in managing hazardous materials.
Safe handling of this substance requires rigorous adherence to personal protective equipment protocols as outlined in the safety documentation. Due to hazard classifications including H225 (highly flammable), H302 (harmful if swallowed), H319 (causes serious eye irritation), and H335 (may cause respiratory irritation), operators must wear appropriate protective gear. This includes chemical splash goggles, impervious gloves (such as butyl rubber), and respiratory protection when working in areas with inadequate ventilation. Static-resistant clothing and non-sparking tools must be utilized in all handling areas to mitigate ignition risks.
Handling & Storage
Storage of Methyl n-Propyl Ketone must occur in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, ideally within a temperature-controlled flammables cabinet away from direct sunlight. To maintain product integrity and prevent degradation, store at temperatures below 100°F (38°C). Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. MPK is compatible with stainless steel, carbon steel, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers, but can degrade certain natural rubbers, plastics, and sealants. It is highly incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and strong reducing agents, which can provoke hazardous exothermic reactions.
Order & Documentation
Alliance Chemical provides complete technical documentation to support your regulatory and quality compliance workflows. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for every batch of Methyl n-Propyl Ketone (MPK) ACS we distribute, and a comprehensive Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order to ensure safe handling practices in your facility. For custom packaging options or commercial bulk pricing, please Request a Quote or Download the SDS.
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.