Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) also known as 2-Butanone, and Methyl Acetone appears as colorless, fairly volatile flammable liquid with a pleasant pungent odor. Methyl Ethyl Ketone has a flash point of 20°F. Methyl Ethyl Ketone vapors are heavier than air. MEK is partially soluble in water, and is commonly used as an industrial solvent.

Applications:

The main application for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is as a low-boiling solvent for Nitrocellulose, Acrylic and Vinyl surface coatings. Over half of global MEK demand is derived from the paints and coatings industry because it will quickly evaporate into the air and it dissolves many substances.

MEK’s advantage is that low viscosity solutions can be obtained, having a high solids content, without affecting the film properties. These lacquers are used in the automotive, electrical goods and furniture industries. Methyl Ethyl Ketone is also used in glues and as a cleaning agent.

MEK is used as an extraction medium for fats, oils, waxes and resins. Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a highly efficient and versatile solvent for surface coatings.  Because of its effectiveness as a solvent, MEK is especially valuable in formulating high solids coatings, which help to reduce emissions from coating operations. 

MEK can also be used in rubber-based industrial cements and printing inks. Its fast evaporation rate makes Methyl Ethyl Ketone popular for rubber-based industrial cements, low-temperature bonding agents and as an Azeotropic separation solvent for printing inks. Methyl Ethyl Ketone is also a component of the solvent system used in producing magnetic tape.

MEK is also a solvent required for the polymerization processing of Polystyrene, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR). A derivative of MEK, Methyl Ethyl Ketone peroxide, is used as a catalyst to initiate the polymerization of polyester resins used in fiber glass reinforced plastics.

2-Butanone is a manufactured chemical but it is also present in the environment from natural sources. It is made by some trees and found in some fruits and vegetables in small amounts. MEK is also released to the air from car and truck exhausts.

Safety:

MEK is a highly flammable liquid, which can ignite at room temperature. Methyl Ethyl Ketone is also known to have negative health effects like irritating and burning eyes when people are exposed to liquid MEK. In its gaseous form, MEK irritates the eyes, nose, and throat and causes headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Storage:

Store Methyl Ethyl Ketone in a cool and well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. Keep MEK away from heat, sparks and open flame. Ground container and transfer equipment to eliminate static electric sparks. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids.