National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

Methyl isobutyl ketone: Overview

Description

Methyl isobutyl ketone is used as a solvent for manufacturing: paints, rubbers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and machinery. It is used in the semiconductor industry and the fragrance and flavor industry. It is used as a dry cleaning agent. It has been used as a pesticide. Methyl isobutyl ketone is also used in uranium extraction.

Substance details

Substance name: Methyl isobutyl ketone

CASR number: 108-10-1

Molecular formula: C6H12O

Synonyms: Hexone; 4-Methyl-2-pentanone; Isobutyl methyl ketone; MIBK; 4-Methylpentan-2-one; MIK; 2-methyl-4-pentanone; Isohexanone

Physical properties

Methyl isobutyl ketone is a colourless liquid with a faint odour like camphor.

Melting Point: -84.7°C

Boiling Point: 117.4°C

Vapour Density: 3.5

Specific Gravity: 0.7978

Flashpoint: 17°C

Chemical properties

Methyl isobutyl ketone is a flammable liquid. It is partially soluble in water.

Further information

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of methyl isobutyl ketone emissions in Australia.

Key

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist