Methyl Ethylene Ketone (MEK)

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

Chemical Formula: C4H8O
Chemical Structure:

Physical Properties

General Properties: luminous, colorless liquid

Odor: pleasant, fruity

Intensity:  0,8050g/cm3

Boiling point: 79.64  °C

Melting point: −86  °C

Flash point: – 9 °C

Vapor pressure: 78 mmHg (20 °C)

Refraction index: 1,37880 nD

Solubility : 27,5 g/100 mL

Viscosity:

General Properties

Methyl ethyl ketone, or MEK, is known to be a butanone. It is a colorless, liquid, acetone-like ketone that has room temperature. It is partly dissolves in water. It is commonly used in industry. MEK has low toxicity and it is extremely flammable. It is found in fumes of tobacco, wood and engine oil. It is also a natural product that is found in certain fruits, vegetables and other food types.

MEK has solvent properties which are similar to acetone. However, it boils in higher temperatures and it has considerably slower vaporization speed. Unlike acetone, it forms an azeotrope.

Production

Methyl ethyl ketone is produced by oxidation of 2-butanoline. And 2-butanoline hydrogen removing process is started. It is catalyzed by copper, zinc and bronze.

Applications

Methyl ethyl ketone provides rapid drying in dyeing business thanks to its high vaporization speed. It is used as solvent for dye stripping, paper coating, flexography, rubber production and wood varnishes. It is used as a solvent in felt production, cold cleaning and oil vaporizing processes. It is also a starting material for cleaning fluids and other chemicals.

It is used in plastic welding, as well. Although it is mistaken for glue, MEK is a plastic welding agent as it allows plastics to stick to each other by melting them.

Aside from these, MEK also used in polyester resin production as catalyst.

Safety Measures and Toxic Values

Methyl ethyl ketone has low toxicity. However, it is irritant for skin. It may cause serious damages to eyes. Its fume may cause airway diseases.

Methyl ethyl ketone is extremely flammable and it may create explosive mixtures with air. Its peroxide is a much more stronger explosive. It must be kept away from oxidizers. Therefore, it must be stored in tightly closed, cool containers and it must be kept away from fire sources.