High-Purity Solvents, Ketones

Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime(MEKO)

Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime, widely recognized by its acronym MEKO and identified by CAS number 96-29-7, serves as an indispensable organic compound within the global chemical industry. Characterized as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a distinct, mild odor, it belongs to the oxime functional group. Its primary utility lies in its exceptional performance as an anti-skinning agent for various coating systems, including paints, varnishes, and printing inks. By effectively preventing the oxidative polymerization of drying oils and resins at the surface of the liquid within a container, MEKO ensures a longer shelf life and maintains product consistency for end-users. Beyond its stabilization capabilities, it functions as a critical blocking agent for isocyanates in polyurethane applications, facilitating the production of one-component heat-curable systems. Although alternative formulations are being explored due to evolving regulatory standards, MEKO remains a preferred choice for manufacturers prioritizing performance, excellent solubility, and reliable chemical stability.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Superior anti-skinning performance significantly prevents unwanted surface crusting in oxidative-drying coatings and paints.
High volatility ensures rapid evaporation post-application without adversely affecting standard drying times or film properties.
Excellent solubility across various organic solvents and diverse resin systems allows for versatile formulation usage.
Effectively blocks isocyanates to create stable, one-component polyurethane systems for various industrial manufacturing needs.
Improves the overall shelf stability of alkyd-based paints and high-gloss synthetic varnishes.
Low usage levels are required to achieve desired stabilization results effectively.
Minimizes material waste by maintaining products in a liquid state during long-term storage.
Provides consistent performance across a broad range of temperatures.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular formula is C4H9NO with a precise molecular weight of 87.12 grams per mole.
Boiling point typically ranges between 152 to 153 degrees Celsius under standard atmospheric pressure.
Flash point of approximately 60 degrees Celsius ensures relative safety during industrial handling and transport.
Refractive index is measured precisely at 1.4410 at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
Highly reactive oxime functionality allows for extremely efficient chemical blocking of isocyanate groups.
Fully compatible with standard cobalt-based driers without inhibiting the critical oxidative curing process.
Low viscosity liquid profile facilitates easy incorporation into existing complex industrial formulations.
Consistently exhibits high purity levels exceeding 99.5 percent.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Functions as the primary anti-skinning agent for alkyd-based paints, decorative enamels, and protective wood stains.
Critical blocking agent used in the manufacture of one-pack heat-cured polyurethanes for automotive coatings.
Extensively used in the formulation of silicone sealants as a specific cross-linking agent for moisture-cure.
Vital component in printing inks to prevent premature drying on rollers or within storage containers.
Found in industrial coatings designed for the automotive, aerospace, and specialized marine maintenance industries.
Applied in the production of specialized adhesives and high-performance elastomeric materials.
Utilized as an intermediate in chemical synthesis for creating pharmaceutical precursors and specialty chemicals.
Integral to advanced water-based coating formulations.