Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is a clear, colorless organic liquid compound with a faint, pleasant, sweet odor. Methyl Isobutyl Ketone has a stable chemical nature and a medium boiling range. MIBK is a medium evaporating liquid and compatible with many organic materials, which makes it a good industrial solvent. Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is able to dissolve Cellulose Esters, Vinyl Polymers and Copolymers, and most natural and synthetic resins and is also partially miscible in water.

MIBK’s high solvency and excellent stability makes it a solvent of choice for coatings, adhesives, inks and cleaning applications.

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is an active solvent due to its compatibility with a variety of organic components and its ability to dissolve them on its own without the need for an Alcohol, which can help to simplify system formulations. Methyl Isobutyl Ketone also has the ability to combine with lower-cost hydrocarbon solvents in solvent blends.

Applications:

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is used as a chemical intermediate, a solvent for manufacturing gums, resins, Nitrocellulose, paints, rubbers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, industrial cleaners and dry-cleaning products. Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is used in the semiconductor industry. MIBK is very efficient at dissolving resins used in paints, inks, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives and other types of surface coatings.

Another major use for MIBK is as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of a rubber anti-ozonant additive in tires.

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone can be used to extract gold, silver and other precious metals from Cyanide solutions, such as those found at gold mines, to determine the levels of those dissolved metals.

MIBK is also used as a flavoring agent and in food-contact packaging products.

Handling and Storage:

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is classified as a flammable liquid, can cause serious eye irritation, and is harmful if inhaled.

MIBK should be stored only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat sources, hot surfaces, sparks, open flame or strong oxidizing agents. Store Methyl Isobutyl Ketone at room temperature. Avoid contact with air when storing for long periods of time. Methyl Isobutyl Ketone may absorb water if exposed to air.

Store Methyl Isobutyl Ketone in properly lined Steel or stainless Steel to avoid slight discoloration from mild Steel is recommended. Containers should be grounded before beginning transfer. Handle empty containers of MIBK carefully. Flammable combustible residue remains after emptying.

Provided proper storage and handling precautions are taken, MIBK would be expected to be technically stable for at least 12 months.