High-Purity Solvents, Ketones

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

Methyl Ethyl Ketone, also known as MEK or Butanone, is a highly versatile and efficient organic solvent widely utilized across various industrial sectors. Represented by the chemical formula CH3C(O)CH2CH3, this colorless liquid possesses a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of acetone and is characterized by its high volatility and strong solvency power. As a polar solvent, MEK is exceptionally effective at dissolving a broad spectrum of resins, including vinyls, acrylics, and nitrocellulose, making it indispensable in the production of high-performance coatings, adhesives, and inks. Beyond its role as a solvent, MEK serves as a crucial chemical intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. Its rapid evaporation rate and low boiling point facilitate quick drying times, which are essential for high-speed manufacturing processes. Despite its industrial utility, MEK is flammable and requires careful handling, storage, and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate environmental and health risks in professional settings globally.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High solvency power efficiently dissolves diverse resins, gums, and cellulose derivatives.
Rapid evaporation rate ensures exceptionally fast drying times for industrial applications.
Lower density compared to other solvents provides cost-effective formulation advantages.
Excellent chemical stability allows for consistent performance in harsh environments.
Strong compatibility with various organic liquids simplifies complex formulation processes.
Relatively low toxicity profile compared to chlorinated solvents improves workplace safety.
High purity levels reduce the risk of contamination in sensitive chemical processes.
Clear, colorless appearance maintains the aesthetic integrity of finished product coatings.
Enhanced blending capacity supports diverse industrial uses while optimizing overall manufacturing efficiency standards consistently.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Boiling point of approximately 79.6 degrees Celsius facilitates controlled thermal processing.
Vapor pressure of 78 mmHg at 20 degrees Celsius indicates high volatility.
Flash point of -9 degrees Celsius necessitates explosion-proof equipment and storage.
Density of 0.805 g/cm3 allows for efficient volume-to-weight calculations in bulk.
Refractive index of 1.378 ensures precise quality control during manufacturing stages.
Completely miscible with most organic solvents and partially miscible with water.
Dielectric constant of 18.5 makes it suitable for specific electronic cleaning applications.
Autoignition temperature of 404 degrees Celsius defines critical safety operational thresholds.
Viscosity values low.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Primary solvent in surface coatings for automotive, aerospace, and marine industries.
Essential component in the manufacturing of high-strength industrial adhesives and glues.
Crucial cleaning agent for removing oils, greases, and contaminants from metals.
Widely used in the formulation of printing inks for packaging materials.
Serves as a dewaxing agent in the processing of lubricating oil products.
Key chemical intermediate in the production of specialized plasticizers and antioxidants.
Important solvent for the extraction of fats and oils in laboratories.
Used in the manufacturing of high-quality rubber cements and magnetic tapes.
Reagent for acrylic resin polymerization and synthetic leather surface finishing processes.