Title: Methyl Ethyl Ketone
CAS Registry Number: 78-93-3
CAS Name: 2-Butanone
Additional Names: ethyl methyl ketone; MEK; 2-oxobutane
Molecular Formula: C4H8O
Molecular Weight: 72.11
Percent Composition: C 66.62%, H 11.18%, O 22.19%
Line Formula: CH3COCH2CH3
Literature References: Prepn from ethyl 2-methylacetoacetate: J. Schramm, Ann. 398, 242 (1913). Manuf by dehydration of 2-butanol and by catalytic oxidation of n-butenes: A. J. Papa, P. D. Sherman, Jr. in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 13 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1981) pp 903-907. Toxicity: H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 23, 95 (1962). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for 2-Butanone (PB93-110708, 1992) 144 pp.
Properties: Flammable liquid; acetone-like odor. d420 0.805. mp -86°. bp 79.6°. Flash pt, closed cup: 21°F (-6°C). nD15 1.3814. Sol in ~4 parts water (27.5%); less sol at higher temp; miscible with alcohol, ether, benzene. Constant boiling mixture with water, bp 73.4°, contains 88.7% methyl ethyl ketone. Soly of water in methyl ethyl ketone: 12.5% at 25°. LD50 orally in rats: 6.86 ml/kg (Smyth).
Melting point: mp -86°
Boiling point: bp 79.6°; bp 73.4°
Flash point: Flash pt, closed cup: 21°F (-6°C)
Index of refraction: nD15 1.3814
Density: d420 0.805
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 6.86 ml/kg (Smyth)
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of skin, eyes and nose; dermatitis; headache; dizziness; vomiting. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 36.
Use: As solvent; in the surface coating industry; manuf smokeless powder; colorless synthetic resins. |