What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone MEK CAS 78-93-3?

Methyl Ethyl Ketone, commonly called MEK, is a fast-evaporating ketone solvent with formula C4H8O. It is supplied for industrial coatings, solvent-borne adhesives, printing inks and controlled-cleaning applications.

Is MEK the same as 2-Butanone?

Yes. 2-Butanone is the systematic name for Methyl Ethyl Ketone, and both names refer to CAS 78-93-3. The two names do not indicate different materials or grades.

What are the key physical properties of MEK?

MEK has a boiling point of about 79.6-80 deg C, a density near 0.805-0.81 g/cm3 and a freezing point around -86 deg C. It is highly water-soluble for a ketone solvent, at about 290-292 g/L at 20 deg C.

Can MEK be interchanged directly with acetone, ethyl acetate or MIBK?

Not automatically. MEK evaporates slower than acetone but faster than MIBK, and its resin solvency differs from ethyl acetate and MIBK. A solvent change should be evaluated in the complete coating, adhesive or ink system.

Which MEK specifications should be checked before use?

Confirm purity, alcohol content, water, acidity, colour and distillation range, including initial boiling point and dry point. Non-volatile matter should also be checked where a low-residue coating, adhesive or cleaning solvent is required.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) CAS 78-93-3

Methyl Ethyl Ketone, also known as MEK or 2-butanone, CAS 78-93-3, is a fast-evaporating ketone solvent supplied for coating, adhesive, ink and controlled-cleaning manufacture. Confirm the required grade, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 78-93-3
Synonyms: 2-Butanone; Butan-2-one; MEK
Einecs: 201-159-0
Molecular Formula: C4H8O
Grade: Industrial Grade
Package: 165 kg steel drums; ISO tanks

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Product Description

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) CAS 78-93-3 is 2-butanone, with EC 201-159-0 and molecular formula C4H8O.

Synonyms: 2-Butanone; Butan-2-one; MEK.

CAS: 78-93-3.

Molecular formula: C4H8O.

It is supplied as a clear, colourless liquid.

It is positioned as a fast-evaporating ketone solvent for coating, adhesive, ink and controlled-cleaning manufacture.

It is not automatically interchangeable with acetone, ethyl acetate or MIBK.

It is used in industrial coatings, lacquers and resin-solvent blends.

It is used in solvent-borne adhesives and laminating formulations.

It is used in printing inks and related process-solvent systems.

It is used in equipment cleaning and degreasing where the specified solvent profile is required.

Commercial grades commonly specify a boiling point of about 79.6-80 C, a density near 0.805-0.81 g/cm3 and a freezing point around -86 C.

It is highly water-soluble for a ketone solvent, at about 290-292 g/L at 20 C.

Confirm purity, alcohol content, water, acidity, colour and distillation range, including initial boiling point and dry point.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources.

Use suitable PPE and vapour control when handling the material to prevent inhalation and skin or eye contact.

Confirm packaging suitable for the liquid form and order quantity, and follow the current SDS.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ, or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended application, required grade, quantity, packaging, destination, and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone MEK CAS 78-93-3?

A: Methyl Ethyl Ketone, commonly called MEK, is a fast-evaporating ketone solvent with formula C4H8O. It is supplied for industrial coatings, solvent-borne adhesives, printing inks and controlled-cleaning applications.
Q:
Is MEK the same as 2-Butanone?

A: Yes. 2-Butanone is the systematic name for Methyl Ethyl Ketone, and both names refer to CAS 78-93-3. The two names do not indicate different materials or grades.
Q:
What are the key physical properties of MEK?

A: MEK has a boiling point of about 79.6-80 deg C, a density near 0.805-0.81 g/cm3 and a freezing point around -86 deg C. It is highly water-soluble for a ketone solvent, at about 290-292 g/L at 20 deg C.
Q:
Can MEK be interchanged directly with acetone, ethyl acetate or MIBK?

A: Not automatically. MEK evaporates slower than acetone but faster than MIBK, and its resin solvency differs from ethyl acetate and MIBK. A solvent change should be evaluated in the complete coating, adhesive or ink system.
Q:
Which MEK specifications should be checked before use?

A: Confirm purity, alcohol content, water, acidity, colour and distillation range, including initial boiling point and dry point. Non-volatile matter should also be checked where a low-residue coating, adhesive or cleaning solvent is required.

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