MEK, short for Methyl Ethyl Ketone, is a volatile ketone solvent also known as 2-butanone. It is widely used in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, resin processing, cleaning blends and other industrial formulations.
For industrial buyers, the key questions are not only what MEK is, but also how its solvency, evaporation behavior, purity, documentation and delivery plan fit the intended process.
What Is MEK?
MEK is a colorless, volatile liquid with the chemical formula C₄H₈O and CAS number 78-93-3. It has a sharp, acetone-like odor and limited solubility in water, while mixing readily with many organic solvents and resin systems.
MEK is mainly used in two ways:
- As a solvent for coatings, adhesives, inks, resins and cleaning processes.
- In smaller volumes, as an intermediate for producing other chemical products.
MEK should not be confused with MEKP, or methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. MEKP is a different peroxide compound with different chemical and safety properties.
Key MEK Properties
| Property | Typical reference value |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C₄H₈O |
| CAS number | 78-93-3 |
| Molecular weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Boiling point | Approximately 79.6°C |
| Melting point | Approximately -86°C |
| Flash point | Approximately -9°C |
| Density | Approximately 0.805 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| UN number | UN 1193 |
| Listed industrial purity | 99.5% |
These values are general references and do not replace the supplier’s current Certificate of Analysis, Safety Data Sheet or Technical Data Sheet.
Yishun Chemical currently lists MEK as an industrial ketone solvent with a stated purity of 99.5%. Buyers should confirm the current batch specification and application suitability before placing an order.
How Is MEK Produced?
One established industrial route starts with butene. Butene is converted to secondary-butyl alcohol, also called 2-butanol. The 2-butanol is then dehydrogenated to produce MEK and hydrogen.
The production route alone does not determine whether a shipment is suitable for a particular formulation. Buyers should focus on the agreed specification, critical impurity limits and batch analysis shown in the COA.
What Is MEK Used For?
MEK as an Industrial Solvent
MEK combines strong solvency with relatively controlled evaporation. It is therefore used in a wide range of industrial applications, including:
- Surface coatings, paints and varnishes
- Adhesives, sealants and cements
- Printing inks
- Resin and rubber processing
- Cleaning agents and industrial degreasing
- Metal-surface cleaning and dewaxing
- Synthetic leather and related material processing
- Selected pharmaceutical and chemical processes
In coatings and adhesives, MEK can dissolve resins and help adjust formulation viscosity. In printing inks, it can support the preparation of a uniform, workable formulation. In cleaning applications, it can help remove oils, waxes, residues and other process materials.
Why Is MEK Useful in Formulations?
MEK is valued for its solvency, volatility and compatibility with many synthetic and natural resins. Its boiling point is higher than acetone’s, so it can provide a different drying profile and more controlled evaporation in some formulations.
This does not mean that MEK is automatically a substitute for acetone. The right solvent depends on the resin, coating method, drying conditions, solids content and required final performance. Buyers should evaluate the complete formulation rather than compare solvents only by price or nominal purity.
MEK is also used in smaller quantities as a chemical intermediate for selected products, but its main industrial role remains solvent use in coatings, adhesives, inks and related processes.
MEK Storage and Handling
MEK is a highly flammable liquid. Its vapors can form flammable mixtures with air, so storage and handling should follow the current SDS, local regulations and the customer’s site procedures.
Important considerations include:
- Keep MEK away from heat, sparks, open flames and smoking areas.
- Use suitable ventilation and local exhaust to control vapor accumulation.
- Control static electricity during loading and unloading.
- Confirm the compatibility of tanks, hoses and packaging.
- Follow dangerous-goods transportation requirements for UN 1193.
The final classification, packaging and documentation should be confirmed for the specific shipment and destination.
What Should Buyers Check Before Ordering MEK?
A useful MEK inquiry should include:
- Product identity: MEK, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 2-Butanone, CAS 78-93-3.
- Required purity and grade.
- Intended application, such as coatings, adhesives, inks, cleaning or resin processing.
- Water content and critical impurity limits.
- Color, odor, residue or other quality requirements where applicable.
- Order quantity and expected consumption schedule.
- Destination port and preferred Incoterm.
- Preferred packaging or bulk transport method.
- Required documents, such as COA, SDS, TDS, packing list, invoice and origin documents.
- Requested loading or arrival window.
- Any end-user or export compliance information required for the transaction.
For certain destinations or transaction roles, additional export documents may be requested. Buyers should confirm the document checklist before finalizing the shipment schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MEK the same as acetone?
No. Both are ketone solvents, but they have different molecular structures, boiling points, water solubility and evaporation behavior. Their suitability depends on the customer’s formulation and process conditions.
What information is required for an MEK quotation?
Buyers should provide the required purity, application, quantity, destination, packaging preference, delivery window and document requirements. This allows the supplier to evaluate a realistic supply and logistics plan.
Yishun Chemical supplies industrial MEK for bulk international orders. Buyers can review our Methyl Ethyl Ketone product information and submit a bulk MEK RFQ.