• Briefly, what do I need to know about methyl ethyl ketone in an emergency situation?
• Where do you find methyl ethyl ketone?
• What are some synonyms for methyl ethyl ketone?
• With so many names for methyl ethyl ketone, is there a unique identifier for this chemical?

Briefly, what do I need to know about methyl ethyl ketone in an emergency situation?

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is a colourless liquid with a sweet/sharp, fragrant, acetone-like odour. It is an EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. The vapour is heavier than air and may spread long distances and distant ignition and flashback are possible. MEK is highly volatile. It is irritating to eyes and respiratory tract and a central nervous system depressant. High vapour concentrations may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, incoordination and confusion. MEK also causes eye irritation. It is an aspiration hazard. Swallowing or vomiting of the liquid may result in aspiration into the lungs.

Where do you find methyl ethyl ketone?

The major use is as a solvent, particularly for various coating systems, such as vinyl, adhesives, nitrocellulose, and acrylic coatings; for paint removers, lacquers, varnishes, spray paints, sealers, glues, magnetic tapes, printing inks, resins, rosins, cleaning solutions, and polymerization. Used in dewaxing lubricating oils, degreasing of metals, in the production of synthetic leathers, transparent paper and aluminum foil, and as a chemical intermediate and catalyst. Extraction solvent in the processing of foodstuffs and food ingredients. MEK is found in some fruits and vegetables and occurs naturally in blood, urine and exhaled air, probably as a minor product of normal metabolism.

What are some synonyms for methyl ethyl ketone?

Methyl ethyl ketone is also known as 2-butanone, 3-butanone, butanone, ethyl methyl ketone, MEK, methyl acetone and methyl-2-propanone.

With so many names for methyl ethyl ketone, is there a unique identifier for this chemical?

Its CAS Registry Number is 78-93-3. This number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) in the United States and is used as a unique identifier number world-wide.  

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Document last updated on September 19, 2008

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