Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), also known as 2-butanone, is a widely used medium-boiling industrial solvent recognized for its strong solvency, balanced evaporation rate, and broad compatibility with resins, polymers, and coatings. Because of these properties, MEK chemical (CAS No. 78-93-3) plays an important role in industries such as coatings, inks, adhesives, plastics, electronics cleaning, and chemical manufacturing.
methyl ethyl ketone properties
| Property | Description / Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Methyl Ethyl Ketone |
| Synonyms | 2-Butanone, Butanone |
| CAS Number | 78-93-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless, transparent liquid |
| Odor | Sharp, sweet, acetone-like odor |
| Boiling Point | ~79.6 °C |
| Melting Point | ~−86 °C |
| Flash Point | ~−9 °C (closed cup) |
| Density (20 °C) | ~0.805 g/cm³ |
| Evaporation Rate | Moderate (slower than acetone) |
| Solubility in Water | Partially soluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Miscible with most organic solvents |
| Polarity | Medium polarity |
| Flammability | Highly flammable liquid |
| Toxicity | Low to moderate; high concentrations may cause irritation or narcotic effects |
methyl ethyl ketone mek uses
Methyl ethyl ketone Solvent for Heavy-Duty Degreasing
MEK solvent is a highly effective industrial cleaning solvent due to its strong solvency and corrosive properties. It is widely used to remove grease, oils, adhesives, paints, and other coatings from metal, plastic, and composite surfaces.
In factories and laboratories, methyl ethyl ketone MEK helps prepare surfaces before painting, bonding, or refurbishing. It ensures that new coatings or parts adhere properly. It is particularly effective for tasks that require thorough cleaning without leaving residues, making it a preferred MEK degreaser solvent for industrial maintenance.
Methyl ethyl ketone For Plastics Manufacturing
In the petrochemical and plastics industries, MEK solvent is used as a hardener, solvent, and chemical intermediate. It plays a crucial role in producing resins, synthetic rubber, and other plastic materials.
MEK's chemical properties allow it to dissolve and process polymers efficiently. This characteristic makes methyl ethyl ketone (CAS 78-93-3) an essential raw material in the manufacturing of plastics, fibers, and other synthetic materials used in large-scale industrial production.
MEK in Paints, Coatings, Dyes, and Adhesives
MEK is widely used as a solvent for paints and coatings, dyes, and adhesives. It dissolves resins and pigments, ensuring smooth finishes and even color distribution.
Compared with acetone, MEK solvent has a relatively slower evaporation rate, allowing controlled drying in varnishes, lacquers, paint removers, and dry-erase markers. Its strong solvency ensures inks and adhesives flow correctly and bond effectively, making MEK adhesive solvent highly valued in coating formulations.
Methyl ethyl ketone MEK for Resins and Fiberglass Products
MEK solvent is also used in the production of fiberglass and polyester resins. It serves as a curing catalyst that helps liquid resins solidify, providing strength and structural integrity to the finished product.
In this process, methyl ethyl ketone MEK is indispensable for manufacturing durable and high-quality fiberglass components used in automotive, marine, and construction applications where reliability and performance are critical.
MEK Solvent with Broad Commercial Applications
Due to its versatility, MEK solvent is a staple chemical across multiple industries, including packaging, printing inks, electronics, and chemical processing. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of materials while maintaining consistent performance makes 2-butanone MEK a reliable choice for global manufacturers and bulk chemical buyers.
Gneebio: A Trusted Bulk Supplier & Distributor
As a leading manufacturer and exporter of fine chemicals, Henan Gneebio supplies Methyl ethyl ketone MEK (CAS 78-93-3) that meets both industrial- and laboratory-grade standards. We serve customers across the rubber, adhesives, and coatings industries, ensuring consistent quality, reliable logistics, and professional technical support.
Our Advantages:
- ISO9001 / ISO14001 / GMP certification available
- Own manufacturing facility with full hazardous chemical production permits
- Support for COA / MSDS / TDS / SGS testing
- Compliant with EU REACH requirements
- Stable exports to Southeast Asia, South America, Middle East, and Africa markets
- Single batch supply ≥20-200 MT, annual contracts supported
