Monographic: Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Methyl ethyl ketone is an organic solvent belonging to the family of ketones and presented as a solvent, colorless and acetone smell like liquid. It is also known as 2-butanone, butan-2-one, methyl ethyl ketone and MEK.
With a satisfactory boiling point and good solubility, physical characteristics are:
- Boiling point: 79.6°C
- Melting point: -86.7°C
- Density: 805 kg/m3 at 20°C
- Vapor Density: 2.4 at 20°C
- Molecular weight: 72.11 g/mol
- Ignition temperature: 515°C
- Explosive limits (vol% in air.) 1.8-10
At the industry level, methyl ethyl ketone has different applications, but emphasizes its use as a solvent in paints, dyes and refining industries.
- Stresses its use as an active solvent in products for finishing leather soles, lacquers, solvents and paints.
- It is used in adhesive formulations, as it provides a good solubilization of the polyurethane resins and high evaporation.
- It is used in the paint industry and solvents for flexographic printing and engraving press, given its low retention on flexible plastic films.
- It works very well in the solvent-based paints industry because of its low density and high power of dissolution.
- It is used as an intermediate in perfumery and as extraction agent in the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.
- It is widely used in the organic chemical industry.
It's used in the formulation of glues and adhesives, as it provides good solubilization of polyurethane resins and high evaporation.
Methyl ethyl ketone is a stable product under normal use and a product of low toxicity. However, it reacts with strong oxidizing agents and is highly flammable. Therefore, it is important to store the methyl ethyl ketone in metal containers and put it in well ventilated areas away from direct sunlight or other sources of ignition.
To ensure safety and proper handling of methyl ethyl ketone, it is important to follow these recommendations:
- Protect eyes with sunglasses of one piece and resistant to chemicals.
- Use a work uniform protective gloves and PVC chemical resistant footwear.
- Cover your face with a respiratory mask to prevent the risk of inhalation of vapors.
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