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Methyl ethyl ketone (CAS #78-93-3) is a colorless liquid with an acetone-like odor. It is used as a solvent for coatings, adhesives, magnetic tapes, printing inks, and pesticide formulations; as an extraction solvent for hardwood pulping and vegetable oil; as a fragrance and flavoring agent in candy and perfumes; as a catalyst in the production of hydrazine; and as a sterilizer for bacterial spores on surgical instruments, hypodermic needles and syringes, and dental instruments. It is used in surface coating, fabric coating, lacquering, and varnishing. It is used in the manufacture of colorless synthetic resins, smokeless powder, artificial leather, lubricating oils, paint removers, cements, adhesives, and cleaning fluids.

Chemical properties:

Methyl ethyl ketone is soluble in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and benzene. It is lighter than water and may be expected to float while rapidly dissolving. It is incompatible or reactive with strong oxidizers, amines, ammonia, inorganic acids, caustics, copper, isocyanates, and pyridines. Synonyms for methyl ethyl ketone are 2-butanone, ethyl methyl ketone, methyl acetone, and MEK.

Methyl ethyl ketone can cause human health effects through inhalation, ingestion, and contact with the skin. Since methyl ethyl ketone is a natural component of some foods, ingestion of food is also a source of exposure. Its health effects are similar to but more irritating than acetone (EW, January, 1992). Its vapor is irritating to mucous membranes and conjunctiva. Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and head; it can cause dizziness, fatigue, memory alteration, dermatitis, headaches, nausea, paresthesia of extremities, diminished vision, acidosis, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure can cause central nervous system depression.

Economics:

U.S. manufacturers of Methyl ethyl ketone are: Exxon Corp, New York, NY; Hoechst Celanese Corp, Somerville, NJ; and Shell Oil Co, Houston, TX.

Under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, releases of more than one pound of methyl ethyl ketone must be reported annually and entered into the national Toxic Release Inventory (TRI).

Under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, releases of more than one pound of methyl ethyl ketone must be reported annually and entered into the national Toxic Release Inventory (TRI).

You know you can buy this stuff down at the hardware store in quart or gallon cans for use as paint solvent or degreasing solvent. All the MEK that is sold this way ends up released into the air or dumped on the ground. Wonder why everyone buying a quart (more than a pound) isn't warned to report it's use?