Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Industrial-grade Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK, CAS 78-93-3) with min. 99.5% purity, supplied wholesale by Zyntex. Fast-evaporating solvent for coatings, adhesives, printing inks and lube oil dewaxing. CoA and SDS with every lot.
Description
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Product Overview
Methyl ethyl ketone (C4H8O) is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with an acetone-like odor. It boils at about 80°C, evaporates quickly and is partly soluble in water. It sits between Acetone and slower ketones in evaporation rate, which makes it a useful balance of drying speed and solvency.
MEK dissolves a wide range of resins, including nitrocellulose, vinyl, acrylic and polyurethane systems. This makes it a common solvent in paints, lacquers, adhesives, PVC cements and printing inks. It is often used together with Toluene and alcohols such as 1-Butanol to fine-tune drying behavior and viscosity.
MEK is also used in the dewaxing of lubricating oils and as a raw material for MEK peroxide, a curing agent for polyester resins, and for MEK oxime. Because MEK is listed as a drug precursor in the EU (Category 3) and internationally, buyers may be asked for an end-use declaration, depending on the destination.
Key Applications of Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Main application areas:
🎨 Paints and Coatings
Fast-evaporating solvent for nitrocellulose, vinyl, acrylic and polyurethane coatings.
🧴 Adhesives
Solvent for PVC cements, contact adhesives and synthetic rubber adhesives.
🖨️ Printing Inks
Solvent for flexographic and gravure printing inks.
🏭 Chemical Processing
Lube oil dewaxing and raw material for MEK peroxide and MEK oxime.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Standard Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Methyl Ethyl Ketone |
| CAS Number | 78-93-3 |
| EC Number | 201-159-0 |
| Molecular Formula / Weight | C4H8O / 72.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Assay / Purity | Min 99.5% (Industrial Grade) |
| Boiling Point | approx. 80°C |
| Flash Point | approx. −9°C |
| Documents | CoA and SDS with every lot |
⚠️ Safety & Handling: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation and may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames, use only in well-ventilated areas, ground containers during transfer, and wear solvent-resistant gloves and eye protection. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, ventilated area. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full classification and handling instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MEK a controlled substance?
MEK is listed as a drug precursor (EU Category 3), so exports may require an end-use declaration depending on the destination. Zyntex can guide you through the required documents.
What is the difference between MEK and acetone?
Both are ketone solvents. MEK evaporates more slowly than acetone and dissolves some resins better, which gives coatings and adhesives more working time.
How can I get a price and documents?
Prices depend on quantity, packaging and destination. Contact us with your required volume to receive a quotation together with the CoA and SDS.
