Chemical ID: CAS Formula HS Code Database

Product Name & IUPAC Name

• Common Name: Methyl Ethyl Ketone, MEK
• IUPAC Name: Butan-2-one

CAS No. & Chemical Formula

• CAS Number: 78-93-3
• Chemical Formula: C₄H₈O
• Molecular Weight: 72.11 g/mol

Synonyms & Trade Names

• Synonyms: Ethyl Methyl Ketone, Normal Butanone, 2-Oxobutane
• Trade Abbreviation: MEK Solvent, Industrial Grade MEK

HS Code & Customs Classification

• Mainstream HS Code: 29141200 (Ketones - Acyclic Monoketones - Methyl Ethyl Ketone)
• Customs Supervision: General chemical product, requires MSDS declaration, supervised as flammable hazardous chemical

Technical Properties, Manufacturing Process & Safety Guidelines

Physical State & Appearance, Basic Physical Constants

• Appearance & Odor: Colorless transparent flowing liquid with slight acetone-like aromatic irritating odor
• Melting Point: -86 ℃; Boiling Point: 79.6 ℃
• Density: 0.805 g/cm³ (20 ℃); Flash Point: -9 ℃ (Closed Cup, Extremely Flammable)
• Vapor Pressure: 9.49 kPa (20 ℃); Refractive Index: 1.3788

Chemical Stability & Reactivity, Incompatible Substances

• Stability: Stable at normal temperature and pressure, not easy to polymerize
• Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidants, strong acids, strong alkalis, amines (prone to violent reaction/combustion)
• Decomposition Characteristics: Decompose into toxic CO and CO₂ fumes upon high-temperature combustion

Solubility & Solution Preparation

• Water Solubility: 27.5 g/100 mL (20 ℃, partially miscible)
• Miscibility: Miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, benzene, acetone, chloroform in any ratio
• Preparation Key Points: Prepare at low temperature, ventilated and dark environment; no open flame allowed; stir slowly to prevent volatile bumping

Specification Table by Grade

Product GradePurity ≥Water Content ≤Color (Pt-Co) ≤Acidity ≤Application PositioningIndustrial General Grade99.0%0.3%200.05%Coatings, inks, general cleaningHigh-Purity Electronic Grade99.9%0.05%100.01%Photoresist solvent, precision electronic cleaningAnalytical Reagent (AR) Grade99.5%0.1%150.03%Laboratory testing, organic synthesis analysis

Impurity Profile & Limits

• Main Impurities: Water, methanol, ethanol, n-butane, acetone residue
• Strict Limits: Heavy metals ≤1ppm (Exclusive for electronic grade), non-volatile matter ≤0.005%

Test Methods & Standards

• National Standard Implemented: GB/T 23940-2009 Industrial Methyl Ethyl Ketone
• Purity Detection: Gas Chromatography (GC-FID)
• Water Content Detection: Karl Fischer Micro Moisture Determination Method
• Color/Acidity: Visual Colorimetry, Acid-Base Titration

Raw Materials & Sourcing

• Core Raw Materials: N-butene, water, catalyst, inert protective gas
• Mainstream Source: Integrated refining plants with deep processing of petrochemical C4 fractions

Synthesis Route & Reaction Mechanism

• Mainstream Process: Direct hydration and dehydrogenation of n-butene (Environmentally friendly mainstream)
• Traditional Process: Gas-phase catalytic oxidation of sec-butanol (Niche production capacity)

Process Control & Purification

• Process Control: Fixed-bed reactor temperature 180-220℃, pressure 1.5-2.0MPa
• Purification Steps: Rough distillation to remove light components → Rectification to remove heavy components → Dehydration refining → Filtration sterilization (Electronic grade)

Quality Control & Batch Release

• Mandatory Inspection per Batch: Purity, water content, flash point, acidity
• Release Documents: Factory COA quality certificate, batch traceability ledger

Typical Reactions

• Addition Reaction: Nucleophilic addition with sodium bisulfite, Grignard reagents
• Condensation Reaction: Aldol condensation under acid-base catalysis to prepare polymer intermediates
• Oxidation-Reduction: Oxidative decomposition by strong oxidants, catalytic hydrogenation to sec-butanol

Core Reaction Conditions

• Common Catalysts: Dilute hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, metallic nickel
• Conventional Solvent: Can be used as reaction solvent itself, easy to control at low temperature and normal pressure

Derivatives & Downstream Products

• Core Downstream: Antioxidant 4020, pharmaceutical intermediates, acrylic coating resins, magnetic tape adhesives

Standard Storage Conditions

• Environment: Cool, dry and ventilated warehouse, temperature ≤30℃, away from heat sources and open flames, sealed and protected from light
• Prohibition: No mixed storage with oxidants, acids/alkalis hazardous chemicals; no static accumulation allowed

Recommended Container Compatibility

• Bulk Industrial Storage: Carbon steel pressure-resistant storage tank (Inner wall anti-corrosion)
• Conventional Drum Packaging: Galvanized iron drum, HDPE high-density polyethylene drum
• Forbidden Materials: Ordinary thin-walled plastic containers, rubber soft bags (Prone to swelling and leakage)

Shelf Life & Degradation Signs

• Standard Shelf Life: 12 months (Unopened original packaging stored in compliance)
• Degradation Judgment: Yellowish color, excessive water stratification, aggravated irritating odor

GHS Classification

• Main Hazards: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity single exposure (Category 3)

Hazard & Precautionary Statements

• Hazard Warning: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor; vapor may cause drowsiness and dizziness; irritates eyes, skin and respiratory tract
• Precautionary Measures: Explosion-proof and anti-static throughout operation, closed operation and ventilation, away from ignition sources and heat

Basic Toxicity Data

• LD50 (Rat Oral): 2737 mg/kg
• LC50 (Rat Inhalation): 23500 mg/m³/8h, low acute toxicity, narcotic at high concentration

Occupational Exposure Limits & Handling

• PC-TWA (China): 300 mg/m³
• Operation Protection: Explosion-proof gas mask, chemical goggles, nitrile gloves, anti-static work clothes

Supply Capacity, Commercial Terms & 2026 Price Trend Forecast

Production Capacity & Availability

• Domestic Mainstream Monthly Capacity: 10,000-ton large-scale supply, in-stock for industrial grade on a regular basis, scheduled production on demand for electronic grade
• Inventory Status: Regular circulating inventory in bonded warehouses in East/South China, sufficient in off-season, controllable replenishment in peak season

Lead Time & MOQ

• Lead Time: Spot goods delivered in 3-7 days, customized high-purity grade in 10-15 days
• MOQ: Industrial drum 180kg/drum minimum, sample 500ml minimum order

Packaging Options

• Conventional: 180kg/galvanized iron drum
• Bulk: ISO TANK tank truck transportation
• Sample: 500ml/1L light-proof reagent bottle (Sealed explosion-proof)

Shipping & Payment Terms

• Transportation: Hazardous chemical dedicated explosion-proof truck transportation, dangerous goods declaration for sea freight
• Payment: 30% prepayment by TT-full payment, negotiable credit terms for long-term cooperation

Volume-Based Pricing

• Unit price decreases with larger quantity, large discount for ton-level procurement

Grade-Based Pricing

• Electronic grade > AR reagent grade > industrial general grade, significant premium for every 0.9% purity improvement

Packaging & Certification Impact

• Slight premium for hazardous chemical explosion-proof packaging and REACH compliant certified products

Global Supply & Demand Overview

• Global Capacity Concentration: China, USA, South Korea; rigid demand dominated by coatings/refining dewaxing

Key Economies Analysis

• China: Largest producer & consumer, self-sufficient with export to surrounding areas
• Europe & USA: Environmental capacity restriction, rely on import of high-purity electronic grade
• India: Rigid demand growth, mainly import low-price industrial grade

2026 Price Trend Forecast

• Short-term (First Half): Crude oil stable + slight price increase of refining C4 raw materials, MEK stable with slight rise of 3%-5%
• Long-term (Second Half): New capacity release, price increase pressure, narrow fluctuation at high level, no sharp drop risk

Data Sources & Methodology

• Data Sources: Zhuochuang Information, Longzhong Chemical, customs import/export data, mainstream refinery quotations
• Analysis Dimensions: Raw material cost, capacity operating rate, supply-demand inventory, policy restrictions

Recent Market Developments

• Elimination of backward inefficient domestic capacity, integrated large-scale units dominate the market, export orders increase steadily

Regulatory Compliance Updates

• Domestic hazardous chemical explosion-proof transportation regulations tightened, EU REACH continues to control VOC emissions

Supplier Response & Mitigation

• Compliant stock in explosion-proof warehouses, lock long-term raw material contracts in advance to stabilize price fluctuation

Application Fields & Grade Selection Guide | Technical FAQs

Industry Core Applications

1. Coatings & Inks: Diluent solvent for nitrocellulose paint, acrylic ink
2. Petroleum Refining: Efficient dewaxing extractant for lubricating oil
3. Electronic Industry: Photoresist dissolution, precision circuit board cleaning
4. Fine Chemicals: Antioxidant, pharmaceutical fragrance synthesis intermediate

Grade-to-Application Mapping

• Industrial Grade: Coatings, inks, refining dewaxing, general industrial cleaning
• AR Reagent Grade: Laboratory analysis, small-scale organic synthesis
• High-Purity Electronic Grade: Semiconductor photolithography, precision electronic dust-free cleaning

Key Parameters by Application

• Coatings Rigid Demand: Purity ≥99%, low water to prevent paint film bubbling
• Electronic Rigid Demand: Purity ≥99.9%, low heavy metal, low non-volatile matter

5-Step Guide to Select the Right Grade

Step 1: Define Application

Clarify scenario: General industry/Laboratory/High-end electronic precision manufacturing

Step 2: Identify Regulatory Requirements

Confirm compliance: Domestic hazardous chemical filing/EU REACH/Electronic RoHS control

Step 3: Evaluate Purity Needs

Select 99% industrial grade for general dissolution, 99.9% high-purity grade for precision process

Step 4: Consider Volume & Budget

Prioritize industrial bulk drum to reduce cost for large rigid demand, purchase sample on demand for small trial

Step 5: Request Sample for Validation

Test solubility and compatibility with sample first, then bulk mass procurement

Technical FAQs

1. Which evaporates faster, MEK or acetone? A: Acetone evaporates faster, MEK evaporates moderately with better paint film leveling
2. Is MEK soluble in water? A: Partially miscible, easy stratification at high concentration

Procurement FAQs

1. Can customized anhydrous ultra-high purity specification be provided? A: Support customized deep dehydration purification
2. Can third-party test report be provided? A: Provide SGS/Intertek compliance test

Logistics & Compliance FAQs

1. Is it a dangerous good? A: Category 3 flammable liquid hazardous chemical, requires dedicated hazardous transportation qualification
2. Can ordinary truck transport it? A: Strictly prohibited, must use explosion-proof hazardous chemical dedicated truck

Trust & Compliance: Quality Certifications & Procurement Support

Quality Management Certifications

• Factory System: ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System

Product-Specific Certifications

• Compliance Certifications: REACH registration, RoHS environmental restriction, hazardous chemical registration filing

Available Documentation & Reports

• Complete Documents: COA quality certificate, MSDS safety data sheet, TDS technical data sheet, hazardous chemical declaration documents

Purchase Cooperation Instructions

Our Positioning & Capabilities

• Positioning: Direct factory supply of all MEK grades, integrated spot & customized supply

Sample Policy

• Free Sample: 500ml conventional grade free application, high-purity electronic grade sample fee refundable after bulk order

Cooperation Models

• Cooperation Modes: Direct factory procurement, regional distribution, bulk wholesale flexible three modes

Procurement Process

Inquiry → Provide documents to confirm grade → Contract signing & payment → Production scheduling & delivery → Arrival acceptance → After-sales traceability

Market Forecast & Technical Support System

Current R&D Hotspots

• Low VOC environmentally modified MEK, anhydrous ultra-low heavy metal electronic grade refining technology

Emerging Applications

• New energy battery pole piece cleaning solvent, degradable polymer additive synthesis

Technical Challenges & Breakthroughs

• Break through low odor low volatile environmental modification, reduce flammable explosive safety risks

Market Forecast (3-5 Years)

• Stable rigid demand growth in 3-5 years, demand growth rate of high-purity electronic grade > general industrial grade, long-term stable price rise

Technological Evolution

• Process upgrade to low-carbon hydrogenation environmental protection, eliminate high-pollution old oxidation process

Sustainability & Green Chemistry

• Popularize recovery rectification recycling technology, reduce VOC emissions, adapt to dual-carbon policy

Technical Consultation

Free grade selection matching, solubility process ratio consultation, safe storage guidance

Application Optimization Support

Provide formula optimization solutions for coating leveling and electronic cleaning residue problems

After-sales Commitment

Unconditional return/exchange for unqualified arrival quality, whole-process batch traceability, technical guarantee for safety accidents

Contact Information

sales9@bouling-chem.com

1531585804@qq.com