Methyl Ethyl Ketone CAS 78-93-3
Chelora Chemicals supplies technical and high-purity methyl ethyl ketone to coatings, adhesive, printing ink and lube dewaxing users worldwide. Every consignment leaves with a batch-specific COA covering purity, water, acidity and colour, the current SDS and full dangerous-goods documentation.
Also known as: MEK · 2-Butanone · Butan-2-one · Ethyl methyl ketone · Methylacetone
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Price, lead time and a sample COA for Methyl Ethyl Ketone, usually within one working day. We ship worldwide.
Request a Quote Email the DeskDocumentation
- Batch-specific COA (purity, water, acidity, colour)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Transport and dangerous-goods documents
- Third-party inspection on request
- Certificate of origin
What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone?
Methyl ethyl ketone is a four-carbon ketone, C₄H₈O, a clear, volatile, flammable liquid boiling at 79.6 °C with a sharp, sweet, acetone-like odour.
It is made mainly by dehydrogenation of secondary butyl alcohol, itself produced by hydrating n-butene from the C4 stream.
MEK is the workhorse solvent where acetone evaporates too fast and esters are too slow: it combines strong solvency for resins with a medium evaporation rate that gives coatings time to level.
Applications span coatings and thinners, adhesives, printing inks, magnetic tape and film coating, PVC pipe cement, and lube oil dewaxing in refineries.
Why MEK specifically
- Strong resin solvency. Dissolves vinyl, acrylic, epoxy and nitrocellulose resins that weaker solvents cannot.
- Medium evaporation rate. About four times slower than acetone, giving flow and levelling without trapping solvent.
- Low water solubility compared with acetone. Useful in formulations where water tolerance must be limited.
- Established in dewaxing. Used in refinery lube oil dewaxing where its selectivity for wax at low temperature is valuable.
How Methyl Ethyl Ketone is Manufactured
MEK is made by dehydrogenating secondary butyl alcohol, with a smaller route as a by-product of acetic acid manufacture.
- n-Butene feed. Butene from the C4 raffinate stream after butadiene extraction.
- Hydration. n-Butene is hydrated with sulphuric acid or over an acid catalyst to secondary butyl alcohol.
- Dehydrogenation. SBA is dehydrogenated over a zinc or copper catalyst at about 400 °C to MEK and hydrogen.
- Quench and separation. Reactor effluent is quenched, with hydrogen separated and used as fuel.
- Distillation. MEK is purified by distillation, with water removed as an azeotrope.
- Direct oxidation route. A smaller share arises from n-butene oxidation or as a by-product of acetic acid manufacture.
Typical Commercial Specification
Figures below are representative of commercial technical-grade MEK. Tell us the application and we will confirm which limits apply.
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, free of suspended matter |
| MEK purity | 99.5% min by weight |
| Water content | 0.1% max |
| Acidity (as acetic acid) | To grade, typically 20 ppm max |
| Non-volatile residue | To grade, typically 20 ppm max |
| Colour (Pt-Co) | 10 max |
| Density at 20 °C | 0.804 to 0.806 g/cm³ |
| Distillation range | Within 1 °C including 79.6 °C |
| Secondary butyl alcohol | To grade, typically 0.1% max |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₄H₈O (CH₃COC₂H₅) |
| Molecular weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid, sharp sweet odour |
| Boiling point | 79.6 °C |
| Melting point | −86 °C |
| Flash point | About −9 °C (closed cup) |
| Density | 0.805 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapour pressure | About 10.5 kPa at 20 °C |
| Vapour density (relative to air) | 2.5, heavier than air |
| Flammable limits in air | About 1.8 to 11.5% by volume |
| Autoignition temperature | About 505 °C |
| Solubility in water | About 27% at 20 °C |
| Evaporation rate (BuAc = 1) | About 3.8 |
| Incompatibilities | Strong oxidisers, acids, bases, amines, hydrogen peroxide |
Behaviour in the process
MEK is a well-behaved solvent with one genuine hazard worth understanding:
- Peroxide formation. MEK can form peroxides on prolonged air exposure, and MEK peroxide is a well-known explosive hazard.
- Attacks plastics. Dissolves polystyrene, ABS, PVC and many coatings; it is the active solvent in PVC pipe cement.
- Partially water miscible. Dissolves about 27% water, which matters in moisture-sensitive formulations.
- Static accumulation. Low conductivity means charge builds during splash filling; bonding and earthing are essential.
MEK and Alternative Solvents
MEK sits in the middle of the ketone evaporation ladder, and the choice between ketones is usually about drying speed.
| Material | Origin / type | When it is the right choice |
|---|---|---|
| Acetone | CAS 67-64-1, fast evaporation | Cleaning and where rapid flash-off is wanted |
| MEK | Medium evaporation | Coatings, adhesives and inks needing solvency with levelling time |
| MIBK | CAS 108-10-1, slow evaporation | Where longer open time and better flow are required |
| Ethyl acetate | CAS 141-78-6 | Milder odour and lower toxicity profile; weaker solvency |
| Toluene | CAS 108-88-3 | Aromatic solvency where ketone chemistry is not needed |
Stated plainly: the ketone ladder from acetone through MEK to MIBK is chosen on evaporation rate. Ethyl acetate is the usual substitute where regulation or odour pushes against ketones, at the cost of solvency.
Industries We Supply Methyl Ethyl Ketone To
MEK serves coatings, adhesives, printing, refining and specialty markets.
Where Methyl Ethyl Ketone is Used
Coatings and adhesives take the largest MEK volumes, with printing inks and lube dewaxing behind them.
As a coatings solvent
MEK's combination of strong solvency and medium evaporation rate makes it the backbone of many vinyl and acrylic lacquer systems. Formulators use it as the active solvent in a blend, with faster and slower components tuning the overall evaporation profile so the film levels before it sets. Water content matters because carried water causes blushing in nitrocellulose systems.
In lube oil dewaxing
MEK with toluene is the standard solvent pair in refinery dewaxing. The mixture dissolves the oil while allowing wax to crystallise at low temperature, where it is filtered off. The MEK to toluene ratio controls the balance between oil recovery and filtration rate, and it is tuned to the feedstock.
Need a specific grade, purity and packing format?
Tell us the grade, the grade, water limit and evaporation profile your formulation needs, the packing format you can receive and the annual quantity. We will come back with a price, a lead time, a sample COA and the full documentation set.
Quality Control & Testing
Every lot is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, with water and acidity reported alongside purity because both affect formulation behaviour.
- MEK purity and water content — by gas chromatography and Karl Fischer titration.
- Acidity — measured because acidic material affects coatings and corrodes equipment.
- Non-volatile residue — critical for cleaning and film coating applications.
- Colour — confirming freedom from contamination and oxidation.
- Distillation range and density — confirming identity and freedom from heavier solvents.
- Secondary butyl alcohol — reported as the characteristic process impurity.
Common Process Problems & Likely Causes
When MEK causes trouble, it is usually water, residue or peroxides. This table is the shortcut our technical desk works through before anyone opens a complaint file.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Blushing in a lacquer film | Water carried in the solvent or high ambient humidity | Water figure on the COA and application conditions |
| Resin precipitation in the formulation | Water content or solvent blend balance | Water result and blend design |
| Residue after cleaning | Non-volatile residue or contaminated equipment | Residue figure and line cleanliness |
| Peroxide detected in stored drums | Prolonged air exposure of old stock | Lot age, peroxide test and blanketing |
| Drying too fast or too slow | Solvent blend rather than MEK itself | Evaporation profile of the full blend |
| Static discharge during filling | Splash filling a low-conductivity liquid | Bonding, earthing and bottom-fill procedure |
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
- Standard packing. 200 L drums, 1000 L IBCs, flexitanks, ISO tank containers and bulk parcels.
- Storage. Cool, well-ventilated, earthed and bunded flammable-liquid storage away from ignition sources.
- Static control. Bond and earth all equipment and use bottom filling.
- Peroxide management. Keep containers sealed and rotate stock; test peroxide value on old material and never evaporate to dryness.
- Material compatibility. Carbon steel and stainless steel are fine. MEK attacks polystyrene, PVC, ABS and many elastomers.
- Moisture control. Use dry breathers where the water specification is tight.
- Shelf life. Typically 24 months in sealed storage; peroxide formation is the limiting factor on old stock.
- Transport classification. UN 1193, ethyl methyl ketone, Class 3 flammable liquid, packing group II.
Hazards & Safe Handling
MEK is a highly flammable liquid with irritant and narcotic effects. It is not classified as carcinogenic, but its low flash point and peroxide-forming tendency both need managing.
- Flammability. Flash point about −9 °C with a flammable range of roughly 1.8 to 11.5%. Vapour is heavier than air and travels to ignition sources.
- Peroxide hazard. MEK can form peroxides on prolonged air exposure; MEK peroxide is explosive when concentrated. Rotate stock and never evaporate to dryness.
- Eye and respiratory irritation. Vapour irritates eyes and the respiratory tract at moderate concentration.
- Occupational exposure. Typical limits are around 200 ppm as an 8-hour average; confirm the limit in your jurisdiction.
- Narcotic effects. High vapour concentrations cause dizziness and impaired coordination; ventilate enclosed spaces.
- Skin defatting. Repeated contact removes natural oils and causes dermatitis; use gloves rated for ketones.
- Static control. Bond and earth all transfer equipment; MEK accumulates charge during flow.
- Environment. Readily biodegradable; contain spills to prevent oxygen depletion in watercourses.
Regulatory & Compliance Notes
MEK is a widely traded solvent with transport, occupational and VOC controls, and precursor monitoring in some jurisdictions. The notes below are orientation rather than legal advice.
- GHS classification. Flammable liquid Category 2, eye irritation Category 2 and STOT SE Category 3 for narcotic effects.
- Dangerous goods transport. UN 1193, Class 3, PG II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT rules apply to packaging, labelling and routing.
- Precursor controls. MEK is listed as a drug precursor in several jurisdictions, with end-use declarations and record keeping required.
- VOC regulation. Solvent use in coatings and printing is subject to VOC emission limits in most regions.
- REACH and inventories. Registered under EU REACH and listed on the major chemical inventories.
- Peroxide-forming chemical status. Many safety codes classify MEK as a peroxide former with a defined storage period after opening.
We Supply Methyl Ethyl Ketone Worldwide
Chelora Chemicals is a supplier and export partner, not a single-plant trader. We ship Methyl Ethyl Ketone from India and from partner sources to customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America, handling the export documentation, transport paperwork and freight so the material arrives ready to use.
- Incoterms. EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP quoted to suit your purchasing terms and freight arrangements.
- Ports. Regular shipments through Nhava Sheva (JNPT) and Mundra, with other ports arranged where routing and cargo rules allow.
- Documentation. Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, COA, SDS and the transport declaration issued as a complete set.
- Flexible volumes. From a pallet of drums up to repeat bulk shipments on a supply contract.
- Supply continuity. Because we are independent of any one producer, a plant turnaround or a shipping disruption at one source does not have to become your stock-out.
Buying Methyl Ethyl Ketone from Chelora
We are an independent sourcing and supply partner. For MEK that means settling three things at enquiry: the purity and water limit your formulation requires, the packing format for your receiving setup, and any precursor documentation your jurisdiction requires.
- Documentation on every lot. Batch-specific COA (purity, water, acidity, colour), plus SDS and the full transport paperwork.
- Analysis before commitment. Representative analysis shared ahead of a commercial order so your lab can qualify the material.
- Quantities. From a pallet of drums through to full bulk shipments on contract supply.
- Grade matching. Technical or high-purity MEK to the water, acidity and residue limits your formulation requires.
- Inspection. Independent third-party inspection available at loading when the contract requires it.
- Related products. Acetone, Ethyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol and other feedstocks alongside Methyl Ethyl Ketone from one supplier.
How ordering works
- Send the enquiry. Product, grade or purity, quantity, destination port and the Incoterm you buy on. If you have a spec sheet, attach it — it saves a round trip.
- We quote. Price, lead time, packing format and a sample COA, normally within one working day.
- Qualify the supply. For first orders or critical applications, we share the analysis and handling documentation so your technical and safety teams can sign off before you commit.
- Confirm the order. Proforma invoice issued; payment terms agreed against the volume and the relationship.
- Allocation and QC. Material allocated and released against a batch-specific COA, with an independent inspection where the contract calls for it.
- Ship and document. Filled, labelled and loaded with the full export document set, and tracked through to arrival.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone — Common Questions
The questions our technical desk is asked most often about Methyl Ethyl Ketone. If yours isn't here, call or email and you will reach someone who knows the chemistry.
What is the CAS number of MEK?
The CAS number for methyl ethyl ketone is 78-93-3, and its EC number is 201-159-0. Its molecular formula is C₄H₈O with a molecular weight of 72.11 g/mol, and it is classified under HS code 2914.12.
What is MEK used for?
As a solvent in coatings, lacquers and thinners, in solvent-based adhesives and PVC pipe cement, in gravure and flexographic printing inks, in refinery lube oil dewaxing, and for surface cleaning before bonding.
Do you supply MEK worldwide?
Yes. Chelora Chemicals supplies and exports MEK worldwide — across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, as well as throughout India, in drums, IBCs, flexitanks, ISO tanks and bulk.
How does MEK compare with acetone?
MEK evaporates about four times more slowly, which gives coatings time to flow and level rather than flashing off. It also has stronger solvency for some resins and lower water miscibility.
How is MEK manufactured?
Mainly by dehydrogenating secondary butyl alcohol over a zinc or copper catalyst at about 400 °C. The SBA comes from hydrating n-butene from the C4 raffinate stream after butadiene extraction.
Does MEK form peroxides?
Yes, on prolonged air exposure, and MEK peroxide is a well-known explosive hazard when concentrated. Keep containers sealed, rotate stock, test old material and never evaporate or distil MEK to dryness.
Is MEK hazardous?
It is a highly flammable liquid with a flash point around −9 °C, an eye and respiratory irritant with narcotic effects at high vapour concentration. It is not classified as carcinogenic.
What are the UN number and transport class?
UN 1193, ethyl methyl ketone, Class 3 flammable liquid, packing group II. ADR, IMDG, IATA and DOT rules apply to packaging, labelling and routing.
What materials does MEK attack?
Polystyrene, PVC, ABS and many elastomers and coatings — which is exactly why it is the active solvent in PVC pipe cement. Carbon steel and stainless steel are fine; check hoses and seals before a changeover.
Is MEK a controlled substance?
It is a listed drug precursor in several jurisdictions, so sales may require end-use declarations, customer verification and record keeping. We handle that documentation as part of supply.
Why does water content matter in MEK?
Because MEK dissolves about 27% water and carries it into the formulation, where it can cause blushing in nitrocellulose lacquers and precipitate resins in moisture-sensitive systems.
What packing sizes are available?
200 L drums, 1000 L IBCs, flexitanks, ISO tank containers and bulk parcels. Orders run from a pallet of drums up to repeat bulk cargoes on contract supply.
Ready to source Methyl Ethyl Ketone?
Send us your specification, grade and annual volume. You will get a price, a realistic lead time and a sample COA from someone who understands what the material has to do in your process — delivered anywhere in the world.