Is MEK (CAS 78-93-3) soluble in water?

Jan 20, 2026 Leave a message

methyl ethyl ketone solubility in water

 

Methyl ethyl ketone (also known as MEK or butanone) is soluble in water. It is a colorless, transparent liquid that is miscible with water, though its solubility decreases with increasing temperature. It forms an azeotropic mixture with water. Additionally, it is miscible with various organic solvents including ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, chloroform, and oils.

 

Methyl Ethyl Ketone Solubility In Water
methyl ethyl ketone solubility in water

 

Properties of Methyl Ethyl Ketone

 

  • Some properties of methyl ethyl ketone include:
  • Chemical formula(e): C₄H₈O or CH₃COCH₂CH₃
  • Molar mass: 72.107 g·mol⁻¹
  • Density: 0.8050 g/mL
  • Melting point: −86 °C (−123 °F; 187 K)
  • Boiling point: 79.64 °C (175.35 °F; 352.79 K)
  • Solubility in water: 27.5 g/100 mL
  • Vapour pressure: 78 mmHg (20 °C)
  • Acidity (pKa): 14.7
  • Viscosity: 0.43 cP

 

 

Hazards of Methyl Ethyl Ketone

 

MEK poses some hazards, including:

 

  • Flammability – Methyl ethyl ketone is highly flammable and reacts with many oxidising materials and is explosive, needing only a spark or hot surface to cause a reaction. It's also possible for containers of MEK to burst or explode when heated, due to excessive pressure build-up. Using alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, or dry powder will extinguish the fire.
  • Irritant – MEK causes serious irritation to the eyes and nose. It is also a component of tobacco smoke.

 

MEK should only be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and protective clothing including gloves, eye, and face protection should be worn.

 

 

use of methyl ethyl ketone

 

Solvent:
MEK is a common industrial solvent used in processes involving gums, resins, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose coatings, and vinyl films. MEK solvent for coatings helps clean and prepare surfaces for painting and is also used in the production of synthetic rubber.


Chemical Intermediate:
Chemical MEK methyl ethyl ketone is used as a chemical intermediate to produce other chemicals in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in the manufacture of resins and paraffin wax, supporting a wide range of methyl ethyl ketone uses.

 

Adhesives:
MEK is widely used in the adhesive industry as a MEK adhesive solvent, where it effectively bonds plastics, textiles, and metals together, ensuring strong and reliable adhesion in industrial applications.

 

Cleaning:
MEK for cleaning is commonly applied in the electronics industry for precision cleaning and is also used for graffiti removal, benefiting from the strong dissolving ability of methyl ethyl ketone MEK solvent.

 

Printing:
In the printing industry, methyl ethyl ketone solvent is used as part of inks for flexographic and rotogravure printing, supporting consistent ink transfer, fast drying, and high print quality.

 

 

Why Choose Gneebio?

 

Gneebio supplies industrial MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) with stable 99.9% purity, produced under ISO9001 and GMP quality management systems. Each batch is delivered with COA and MSDS, ensuring consistent quality and smooth customs clearance. We support drum, ISO tank, and bulk supply, suitable for long-term contracts and large-volume industrial buyers.

 

MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)  Manufacturing
MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)  Manufacturing

 

Advantages

1) Small batch shipment and sub-packaging are available.
2). Provide COA, MSDS, Health Certificate, and Origin Certificate.
3) Quality first, service best.

 

If you need solvents like Acetic Acid, Isopropanol, Styrene, Xylene, Cyclohexanone, Ethyl Acetate, Ethylene Glycol, p-Xylene, Methanol, Methylene Chloride, Butyl Acrylate, etc., mainly used in paints, coatings, spray paints, printing, leather, ink, and pharmaceutical intermediates. You can contact TIANJIN GNEE BIOTECH CO., LTD.: https://www.gneechem.com/contact-us

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