Methyl ethyl ketone is a ketone solvent belonging to the ketone family and occurs as a liquid solvent, partially miscible in water, stable, colorless and odorous similar to acetone. It is also known as 2-butanone, butan-2-one, ethyl-methylketone and MEK.
In the industrial sector it is used as a solvent base in various applications. It is also used as an intermediate agent in the synthesis of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, with a satisfactory boiling point and good solubility. However, its most frequent use is as a solvent in paints, dyes and refining industries.
What are the main uses of butanone or methyl ethyl ketone?
As we will see below, butanone is a very versatile compound that can be used in a myriad of processes and applications:
- As an active solvent in products for finishing leathers and painting soles, such as lacquers or paints.
- It is used in adhesive formulations, as it provides a very good solubilization of polyurethane resins and high evaporation.
- It is used in the printing inks and solvents industry for flexography and rotary engraving, given its low retention in flexible plastic films.
- In the solvent-based paint industry it works very well given its low density and high dissolving power.
- It is used as an intermediate in perfumery and as an extraction agent in the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.
- It is widely used in the organic chemical industry.
- For dilute paint, varnishes, lacquers, paints in sprayetc.
- To dissolve sealants, adhesives, printing inks, resins, rosin, etc.
- For degreasing metals
- As a cleaning agent and wax removal agent in lubricating oils.
- As a solvent in the production of magnetic tapes, the dewaxing of lubricating oils
- As an extraction solvent in the processing of edibles and food ingredients.
NOTE: It reacts with strong oxidizing agents and is a highly flammable product. Therefore, it is important to store methyl ethyl ketone in metal containers and place it in well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight or other sources of ignition.