Is MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) the same as acetone (ace)?

Jan 20, 2026 Leave a message

acetone and mek

 

MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and acetone (ace) are not the same substance; they are two distinct organic compounds.

 

MEK (methyl ethyl ketone): Chemically known as methyl ethyl ketone, also called butanone or methyl ethyl ketone, with the molecular formula C₄H₈O and structural formula CH₃COCH₂CH₃. It is a medium-boiling-point ketone solvent with a boiling point of approximately 79.6°C and a flash point of -9°C.
MEK exhibits excellent solubility and is commonly used in lubricant dewaxing, coatings, resins, pharmaceuticals, and electronic industry cleaning applications.

 

Acetone (Ace): Chemically known as acetone, also called dimethyl ketone or methyl ethyl ketone, with the molecular formula C₃H₆O and structural formula CH₃COCH₃. It is a low-boiling-point ketone solvent with a boiling point around 56°C and a flash point of -20°C.
Acetone exhibits higher volatility and is extensively used in explosives, plastics, rubber, leather processing, and other industries. It also serves as a key raw material for synthesizing other chemicals.

 

 

Item MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) Acetone (ACE)
Chemical Name Methyl Ethyl Ketone Acetone
Other Names / Synonyms Butanone, 2-Butanone Propanone, Dimethyl Ketone
CAS Number 78-93-3 67-64-1
Molecular Formula C₄H₈O C₃H₆O
Molecular Weight 72.11 g/mol 58.08 g/mol
Boiling Point ~79.6 °C ~56.5 °C
Evaporation Rate Medium (slower than acetone) Very fast
Solvency Power Strong Moderate
Flash Point −6 °C −20 °C
Odor Mild ketone odor Strong, sharp odor
Water Miscibility Completely miscible Completely miscible
Typical Industrial Grade MEK solvent, industrial grade MEK Industrial acetone
Main Applications Paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, cleaning solvent Electronics cleaning, laboratory solvent, cosmetics
Residue After Evaporation Very low Very low

 

 

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

Send Inquiry

whatsapp

Phone

E-mail

Inquiry