What is the structure of methyl ethyl ketone (CAS 78-93-3)?

Jan 20, 2026 Leave a message

 

Methyl ethyl ketone (CAS 78-93-3), also known as MEK or ethyl methyl ketone, is an organic compound with the formula CH3C(O)CH2CH3. This colorless liquid ketone has a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of acetone.

 

methyl ethyl ketone structure
methyl ethyl ketone structure


Chemical Structure of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

 

Methyl ethyl ketone is a four-carbon ketone with a carbonyl group (C=O) located on the second carbon atom of the chain.

 

  • IUPAC name: 2-Butanone
  • Common names: Methyl ethyl ketone, MEK
  • Chemical formula: C₄H₈O
  • Structural formula: CH₃–CO–CH₂–CH₃

 

The presence of the carbonyl (C=O) functional group gives MEK solvent its polarity, while the short hydrocarbon chain provides good compatibility with non-polar materials. This balanced structure allows methyl ethyl ketone uses across both polar and non-polar systems.

 

 

What is MEK methyl ethyl ketone used for?

 

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.Gnee Bio.com/contact-us

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