Methyl Ethyl Ketone in Basic Chemistry useful information

Product Name Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) 

Synonyms MEK; Methyl Acetone; Oxobutane; 2-Butanone; butan-2-one; Butanone; Ethyl methyl ketone. 

About the product : MEK, an organic compound, is a colourless liquid with a sweet smell. The smell of this compound is similar to butterscotch and acetone. It is a highly flammable material. It is used as a liquid solvent. Because of its effectiveness as a solvent, MEK is used to manufacture high solids coatings, which help to reduce emissions from coating operations. MEK is low in toxicity and used as an industrial solvent as well as a chemical intermediate. 

Product Identification Features : 
CAS Number:  78-93-3
H.S. Code: 2914.19
Chemical formula: CH3COC2H5 
Chemical Properties: 
Melting point: -85 C
Boling point: 79 - 80.5 C
Specific gravity: 0.804 - 0.806
Solubility in water: Soluble
Vapour density:  

Uses :

  • Used as a solvent to manufacture adhesives for PVC pipes.

  • Used to manufacture lacquers.

  • Used to produce printing inks.

  • Used as a reaction/extraction solvent for pharmaceuticals.

  • Used as solvent for surface coatings.

  • Used to manufacture paraffin wax.

Production Process : Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is usually produced via dehydrogenation of 2-butanol using a catalyst based on copper, zinc or bronze.

CH3CH (OH) CH2CH3 → CH3C (O) CH2CH3 + H2


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