2-Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone, MEK)

1. Product Overview

2-Butanone, also known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), is a high-performance, fast-evaporating industrial solvent widely used across coatings, adhesives, and chemical processing industries. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with excellent solvency power for resins, polymers, and synthetic materials. MEK plays a critical role in enhancing production efficiency by enabling rapid drying times and superior formulation compatibility. Its strategic market importance lies in its versatility as a key intermediate and processing solvent across global manufacturing supply chains. As a benchmark solvent in industrial chemistry, it delivers consistent performance, high purity options, and reliable supply for large-scale operations.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Name: 2-Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone, MEK)
• Chemical Formula: C₄H₈O
• CAS Number: 78-93-3
• Purity / Grade: Industrial grade / solvent grade (typically ≥99% purity available)
• Physical Form: Clear, colorless liquid
• Odor: Sharp, acetone-like characteristic odor
• Density: ~0.805 g/cm³ at 20°C
• Boiling Point: ~79–80°C
• Solubility: Miscible with most organic solvents; moderate solubility in water
• Packaging Options: 165 kg steel drums, ISO tanks, bulk tanker shipments
• Shelf Life: 12–24 months under recommended storage conditions (cool, dry, ventilated area)

3. Core Industrial Applications

MEK is extensively used in high-value industrial applications where fast evaporation and strong solvency are essential. Key sectors include paints and coatings (lacquers, varnishes, industrial coatings), adhesives and sealants production, and printing inks manufacturing. It is also widely applied in chemical synthesis processes, plastics processing, and pharmaceutical intermediates formulation. MEK outperforms many conventional solvents due to its rapid drying rate, excellent resin compatibility, and low residue formation, enabling higher throughput and improved production efficiency. These advantages make it a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking optimized performance and reduced cycle times.

4. Competitive Advantages

• High Purity Consistency: Ensures stable formulation performance across batches
• Reliable Supply Chain: Scalable global sourcing for continuous industrial demand
• Efficient Logistics: Flexible bulk handling via drums, ISO tanks, and bulk vessels
• Cost Efficiency: Optimized solvent performance reduces operational waste and rework
• Process Efficiency: Fast evaporation enhances production speed and throughput
• Environmental Compliance Options: Available in formulations meeting international handling and safety standards
• Technical Documentation Support: Full COA, MSDS, and regulatory compliance documentation available

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Bulk 20 MT
• Loading Capacity:
  • Approx. 14–16 MT per 20 ft container (drum-packed, depending on packaging configuration)
  • Up to 20–25 MT per ISO tank container (where applicable)
• Supply Scale: Bulk industrial supply available for long-term contracts and recurring procurement programs