Methyl Ethyl Ketone, commonly known as MEK and 2-Butanone, is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor. It is a ketone, which means it has a carbonyl group in its molecular structure. MEK is soluble in water and many other organic solvents and is widely used in various industries due to its chemical properties.
Due to these characteristics, MEK is one of the most commonly purchased solvents in industries such as coatings, adhesives, plastics, printing inks, rubber processing, and chemical manufacturing.
Physical and Chemical Properties of MEK
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Methyl Ethyl Ketone |
| Synonyms | Butanone, 2-Butanone |
| CAS Number | 78-93-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 72.10 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild, acetone-like |
| Density (25°C) | ~0.81 g/mL |
| Melting Point | −85.9°C |
| Boiling Point | ~80°C |
| Flash Point | −9°C |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohols, ethers |
| Evaporation Rate | Fast |
How Is MEK Used as a Solvent?
Coatings and Paints
MEK is extensively used as a paint thinner and coating solvent. It dissolves acrylics, epoxies, vinyls, and nitrocellulose efficiently.
Adhesives and Sealants
In adhesive manufacturing, MEK acts as a carrier solvent for rubber-based and resin-based systems. It ensures uniform viscosity, rapid setting, and strong bonding performance, especially in:
- Footwear adhesives
- Packaging adhesives
- Industrial laminating adhesives
Printing Inks
MEK is commonly used in flexographic and gravure printing inks due to its fast evaporation and strong resin solubility.
Plastics and Rubber Processing
MEK is used to dissolve or process polymers such as PVC, polystyrene, and synthetic rubber. It is also used in:
- Surface treatment
- Polymer blending
- Resin formulation
Cleaning and Degreasing
Because of its oil-dissolving ability, MEK is widely used for:
- Metal surface degreasing
- Equipment cleaning
- Removal of adhesives, resins, and coatings
Safety and Handling Considerations
MEK is highly flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Industrial users should ensure:
- Proper ventilation
- Explosion-proof equipment
- Storage away from heat, sparks, and oxidizing agents
- Compliance with SDS and local chemical safety regulations is essential for safe procurement and use.
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.
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