What is MEK made of?
Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is an organic compound with the formula CH3C(O)CH2CH3. This colourless liquid ketone has a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of acetone.
What is the chemical MEK used for?
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is a colorless liquid that has a sweet odor and is soluble in water. It is a highly volatile chemical and is frequently used as a commercial cleaner and solvent for glues, paints, coatings, and printing inks.
Is MEK a hydrocarbon?
MEK is a ketone (meaning it contains a carbonyl group bonded to two hydrocarbon groups) with a sharp, sweet smell a bit like mint and acetone. Its vapours are heavier than air, it’s non-reactive with water, and is a stable organic compound under normal conditions.
Is acetone a MEK?
MEK, also known as Butanone and Methyl Ethyl Ketone is a solvent that is related to acetone, because acetone is simply liquid ketone. Acetone and MEK have very similar traits and can be used for many of the same purposes, but they also have specific applications that each is best suited for.
Is MEK and Acetone the same?
MEK or Methyl Ethyl Ketone is stronger than Acetone, because it has a slower evaporation rate and boils at a higher temperature. These differences are why MEK can be a stronger cleaning agent than acetone. Acetone is typically a better solvent than MEK, because it dissolves a wider range of compounds.
Are MEK and acetone the same?
What happens if you drink MEK?
How can methyl ethyl ketone affect my health? People exposed to MEK have nose, throat, skin and eye irritation. If MEK is inhaled with other harmful chemicals, the damage can be more serious. Animals that breathed or swallowed high levels of MEK had serious health effects, including birth defects, fainting and death.
How do you name 2-butanone?
Butan-2-one
Butanone/IUPAC ID
What is xylene or MEK solvent?
Xylene and Toluene – Aggressive solvents for cleaning; may damage plastics or paints. MEK – Very aggressive solvent for cleaning; may damage plastics or paints. Good for cleanup of tools and equipment.
How is methyl ethyl ketone ( MEK ) obtained?
MEK can be obtained by oxidizing 2-butanol. Dehydrogenation of 2-butanol in the presence of a catalyst such as copper, bronze, or zinc. Irritates the eyes, throat, and nose. Combustion of this compound may produce some toxic materials. What is methyl ethyl ketone used for?
What kind of chemicals can be produced by MEK?
MEK can also react with hydrogen peroxide to give a mixture of peroxides. The other chemicals that can react with MEK to form resins include phenol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, etc. These resins are useful in moulded products as well as electric insulation.
Which is the flashpoint of the flash point of MEK?
The flashpoint of MEK is 20°F. The vapours formed are heavier than air. It dissolves in water. It is obtained as a natural product. It is present in some vegetables and fruits in small quantities. Also, it is released from truck and car exhausts.