METHYL ETHYL KETONE (MEK)

  • Cas No: 78-93-3
  • EINESC No: 201-159-0
  • Molecular Weight: 72.107 g/mol

Tin

-

Barrel

170 Kg

IBC

800 Kg

Pouring

5-25 Ton

Physical characteristics

  • General Properties:  Clear, colorless liquid
  • Fragrance: Pleasant, fruity
  • Density: 0,8050 g/cm3
  • Boiling Point: 79.64 °C
  • Melting Point: −86 °C
  • Flash Point: −9 °C
  • Vapor Pressure: 78 mmHg (20 °C)
  • Refractive Index: 1.37880 nD
  • Solubility (in water): 27.5 g/100 mL

production

Methyl ethyl ketone is produced by the oxidation of butanol. Hydrogen separation from butanol is achieved under the catalysis of copper, zinc and bronze.

General features

Methyl ethyl ketone, also abbreviated as MEK, is also known as butanone. It is a colorless, liquid, acetone-like ketone at room temperature. It is partially soluble in water. It is a widely used solvent industrially. MEK is low toxic and extremely flammable. It is found in smoke from the combustion of tobacco, wood or motor fuels. It is also a natural product found in some fruits, vegetables, and other foods. MEK has similar solvent properties with acetone. However, it boils at a higher temperature and has a significantly slower evaporation rate. Unlike acetone, it creates an azeotrope with water.

Usage areas

Thanks to its high evaporation rate, methyl ethyl ketone provides fast drying in applications in the paint industry. It is used as a solvent in paint peeling, paper coating, flexography and gravure printing, rubber production and wood varnishes. It is also used as a solvent in the production of felt adhesive, in electroplating, cold cleaning and steam degreasing. It is also a starting material in cleaning fluids and the manufacture of some other chemicals.

Methyl ethyl ketone is also used in plastic welding because it dissolves many plastics. Although mixed with adhesive in this area, a MEK is a plastic welding agent because it melts the plastics and makes them stick together. Apart from this, MEK is the precursor of Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, which is often used as a catalyst in the production of polyester resins.

Safety Precautions and Toxicity

Methyl ethyl ketone has a relatively low toxicity value. However, since it is a good solvent, it is irritating in contact with the skin. May cause serious injury in contact with eyes. Its smoke can cause respiratory diseases when inhaled continuously. Methyl ethyl ketone is a highly flammable chemical and can form explosive mixtures with air. Peroxide, on the other hand, is a much stronger explosive. It should not come into contact with oxidizing substances. Therefore, it should always be stored in tightly closed containers, in cool environments, and should be protected from all kinds of flame sources and high temperatures.