MEK

Detail

Product: Methyl Ethyl Ketone

CAS NO. :  78-93-3

Molecular Formula: C₄H₈O

Origin: China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Europe.

Description:   Methyl ethyl ketone (also known as MEK, butanone, 2-butanone, butan-2-one, oxobutane, or methyl acetone) is a clear volatile liquid that is soluble in water and has a mild, acetone odour.  It has the formula C4H8O.

The main commercial production route for methyl ethyl ketone is through the dehydrogenation of secondary butanol although newer technology involves the direct oxidation of n-butene in solution, using palladium and cupric chlorides as catalysts.

Over 50 % of the demand for Methyl ethyl ketone stems from the paints and coatings industry as a low viscosity solution can be obtained without it affecting the film properties of the product.  These lacquers are used in the automotive, electrical goods, and furniture industries.