Methyl ethyl ketone: Overview
Description
Methyl ethyl ketone is used as a solvent for lacquers, adhesives, cleaning materials to be electroplated, degreasing, rubber and rubber cement, printing inks, and paints, wood stains and varnishes, paint removers, in cleaning solutions, as a catalyst, and as a carrier.
Substance details
Substance name: Methyl ethyl ketone
CASR number: 78-93-3
Molecular formula: C4H8O
Synonyms: 2-Butanone; MEK; Ethyl methyl ketone; Butanone; methyl acetone; butan-2-one
Physical properties
Methyl ethyl ketone is a colourless liquid with a faint sweet odour.
Melting Point: -86.3°C
Boiling Point: 79.6°C
Vapour Density: 2.5
Specific Gravity: 0.805
Flashpoint: -6°C
Chemical properties
Methyl ethyl ketone is a flammable liquid. It is partially soluble in water, and soluble in most other organic solvents. It will float on water while it rapidly dissolves in it.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of methyl ethyl ketone emissions in Australia.
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