CAS 78-93-3 · Solvent
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
2-Butanone · C₄H₈O · MW 72.11 g/mol
Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies methyl ethyl ketone — commonly known as MEK or butanone — to coatings manufacturers, adhesive producers, printing operations, and industrial facilities across Texas. A fast-evaporating, high-solvency ketone solvent, MEK is one of the most widely specified solvents in industrial manufacturing. We stock MEK in drums, totes, and bulk quantities and deliver throughout Texas with full SDS documentation and lot traceability on every order. A single point of contact. No surprises on delivery. Serving Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and all major Texas industrial corridors from our Fort Worth distribution center.
Formula
C₄H₈O
Boiling Point
79.6 °C
Solubility
Partially water-miscible
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Skeletal formula — asymmetric ketone with methyl and ethyl groups flanking the carbonyl
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV (TWA)
- 200 ppm
- IDLH
- 3,000 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 3 — Flammable Liquid
- UN Number
- UN 1193
- Packing Group
- II
Highly flammable — keep away from all heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 78-93-3 |
| Boiling Point | 79.6 °C (175.3 °F) |
| Melting Point | −86.7 °C (−124.1 °F) |
| Flash Point | −9 °C (16 °F) — Flammable |
| Density | 0.805 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 10.5 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | 27.5 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.3788 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 404 °C (759 °F) |
| Explosive Limits | 1.8% – 11.5% (v/v in air) |
Industrial Applications
Coatings & Lacquers
Primary solvent in nitrocellulose and vinyl lacquers, polyurethane coatings, and industrial enamels. Faster evaporation than toluene improves throughput.
Adhesives
Used in contact cements, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and laminating adhesives for footwear, automotive, and packaging industries.
Printing Inks
Carrier solvent in gravure and flexographic inks for flexible packaging, providing fast drying and good pigment dispersion.
Magnetic Tape & Film
Solvent for binder resins in magnetic recording media and photographic film base manufacturing.
Chemical Synthesis
Intermediate in production of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC), and other downstream chemicals.
Dewaxing
Used in petroleum refining to dewax lubricating oils, improving low-temperature flow properties.
Why Source MEK from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying industrial solvents to Texas manufacturers
- Industrial, ACS, and HPLC grades stocked for immediate delivery
- Flexible packaging from 55-gal drums to bulk tanker
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MEK used for in industrial applications?▾
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a fast-evaporating solvent used in surface coatings, adhesives, printing inks, magnetic tape manufacturing, and chemical synthesis. It is particularly effective as a cleaner and degreaser in metal finishing operations and as a solvent in vinyl, cellulose acetate, and nitrocellulose coatings. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies Industrial-grade MEK from verified manufacturers with SDS documentation on every order. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for pricing and availability.
What is the purity specification for industrial grade MEK?▾
Industrial-grade MEK typically carries a purity of 99%+ (as methyl ethyl ketone), with specifications covering water content, color (APHA), and specific gravity. Higher-grade MEK may also be tested against ACS specifications for research and laboratory applications. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas provides documented product specifications and lot traceability with every shipment so your quality team has full traceability data. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM to request a product data sheet.
Is MEK available in bulk tanker quantities in Texas?▾
Yes. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies Methyl Ethyl Ketone from single drums to full bulk tanker deliveries throughout Texas, including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin. Bulk purchasing typically offers the most favorable pricing per gallon for high-volume users. Every order includes current SDS documentation and lot traceability for regulatory compliance. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM or email [email protected] for a bulk quote.
How does MEK compare to acetone as an industrial solvent?▾
MEK and acetone are both ketone solvents with similar solubility profiles, but MEK has a slower evaporation rate than acetone (approximately half as fast), making it better suited for applications that require longer open times — such as spray coatings, adhesives, and inks where acetone would evaporate too quickly before the application is complete. MEK also has a slightly higher boiling point (79°C vs. 56°C for acetone). For applications requiring very fast evaporation, acetone is preferred. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM to discuss the right solvent for your process.
What are the storage and safety requirements for MEK?▾
MEK is a flammable liquid (DOT Hazard Class 3) with a flash point of approximately -9°C (16°F). It must be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, sparks, and oxidizing agents, in approved flammable storage containers. Your facility must maintain a current SDS on file for each chemical present under OSHA Hazard Communication standards. Every MEK order from Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas ships with a current SDS and lot documentation. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for compliance support.
What industries in Texas are the largest users of MEK?▾
Major MEK consumers in Texas include coating manufacturers, adhesive producers, printing and packaging operations, vinyl and plastics fabricators, and metal finishing operations. Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas serves all of these industries with industrial solvent supply from Houston to Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond. With over 35 years of combined industry experience, we understand the compliance and supply chain needs of Texas industrial buyers. Contact us at 855-TEX-CHEM for a consultation.