MEK is a clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor similar to acetone. It belongs to the ketone family of organic compounds and is highly volatile and flammable. Because of its excellent solvency, MEK is commonly used to dissolve resins, gums, and coatings, making it essential in manufacturing and chemical processing industries.
Chemically, MEK is produced from secondary butanol and is often used where quick drying is required. It mixes well with many organic solvents but has limited solubility in water.
Key Specifications
| Property |
Value |
| Chemical Name |
Methyl Ethyl Ketone |
| Other Name |
2-Butanone |
| Chemical Formula |
CHO |
| Molecular Weight |
72.11 g/mol |
| Appearance |
Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor |
Sharp, sweet |
| Boiling Point |
~79.6C |
| Melting Point |
-86C |
| Density |
~0.805 g/cm |
| Flash Point |
-9C |
| Solubility |
Slightly soluble in water |
| Evaporation Rate |
Fast |
Applications
1. Paints & Coatings
- Used as a solvent in paints, varnishes, and lacquers
- Ensures smooth application and quick drying
2. Adhesives & Sealants
- Dissolves rubber and resins for strong bonding formulations
3. Printing Industry
- Used in inks due to fast evaporation and clean finish
4. Plastic & Polymer Industry
- Processing of acrylics, PVC, and other plastics
5. Cleaning Agent
- Industrial degreasing and surface preparation
6. Textile Industry
- Used in dewaxing and oil extraction processes
Functions
- Solvent: Dissolves a wide range of substances
- Thinner: Reduces viscosity of coatings and adhesives
- Cleaner: Removes oils, grease, and residues
- Processing Aid: Helps in chemical reactions and formulations
Benefits
- Fast drying time improves productivity
- Excellent solvency for many materials
- Leaves minimal residue after evaporation
- Cost-effective industrial solvent
- Compatible with many resins and polymers