Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) CAS No. 1072-53-3
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is a clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a mild odour and a wide range of industrial applications. It is an organic compound with the molecular formula C4H8O and is classified as a ketone. MEK is flammable and can be hazardous to human health if improperly handled.
MEK is primarily used as an industrial solvent in the production of coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents. It is also used in the production of rubber and plastics, as well as in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes.
MEK is a highly polar solvent with a low boiling point (79.6°C) and a high flash point (38.9°C). This makes it an ideal solvent for many organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes, resins, and cellulose acetate. MEK is miscible with both water and many organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, and hydrocarbons.
MEK has a low acute toxicity and is not classified as a carcinogen, although prolonged exposure to high concentrations can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Prolonged exposure to MEK can also cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.
The global MEK market was valued at US$3.2 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US$4.3 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. The growth of the MEK market is driven by increasing demand from the automotive, construction, and industrial sectors.
The automotive sector is one of the largest consumers of MEK due to its use in the production of coatings, adhesives, and sealants for vehicles. The construction sector also uses MEK as a solvent for paints, adhesives, and sealants used in building construction. In the industrial sector, MEK is used as a solvent for inks, paints, and resins.
MEK is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes. It is used as a solvent for the extraction of active ingredients from raw materials, as well as for the manufacture of tablets and capsules.
MEK is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and is subject to air pollution regulations in many countries. The European Union (EU) has placed limits on the use of MEK in certain industries, including printing and furniture manufacturing, in an effort to reduce air pollution.
In conclusion, MEK (CAS No. 1072-53-3) is a clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a mild odour and a wide range of industrial applications. It is primarily used as an industrial solvent in the production of coatings, adhesives, inks, and cleaning agents, as well as in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes. The global MEK market is expected to reach US$4.3 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 3.2%. MEK is a VOC and is subject to air pollution regulations in many countries in an effort to reduce air pollution.