Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
| Product | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Butanone (butan-2-one) |
| CAS No. | 78-93-3 |
| Hazard class | UN 1193, Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Manufacturer | Guangzhou Lifly Chemicals Co., Limited |
| Origin | China |
| Pack size | 20 litre container |
| Shelf life | 2 years from manufacture |
| Main uses | Coatings, thinners, adhesives, PVC cement, inks, cleaning |
| Delivery | Same-day in Nairobi; delivery across East Africa |
| Price | Request a quotation |
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Methyl Ethyl Ketone Solvent for Coatings, Adhesives and Industry
Methyl Ethyl Ketone, commonly called MEK, is a clear, colourless, fast-evaporating solvent with a sharp, sweet smell. Its chemical name is butanone. It dissolves a wide range of resins, gums, cellulose esters and vinyl polymers, which makes it a workhorse solvent in coatings, adhesives and inks.
MEK belongs to the same ketone family as acetone. However, it evaporates a little more slowly, so coatings level better and stay open for longer. It is also only partly soluble in water, unlike acetone.
We stock Methyl Ethyl Ketone made by Guangzhou Lifly Chemicals Co., Limited in China, supplied in 20 litre containers with a two-year shelf life. Wisdo Merchants Chemical Division delivers it across Kenya and East Africa from Industrial Area, Nairobi.
Features and Benefits of Methyl Ethyl Ketone
- Strong solvency: Dissolves vinyl, acrylic, nitrocellulose, epoxy and polyurethane resins.
- Fast evaporation: Dries quickly, but more slowly than acetone, giving better flow and levelling.
- Low viscosity solutions: Lets formulators reach high solids at workable viscosity.
- Residue-free: Leaves surfaces clean before bonding or coating.
- Versatile blending: Mixes with most organic solvents in thinner formulations.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Butan-2-one (butanone) |
| Also known as | MEK, methyl ethyl ketone |
| Chemical formula | CH3C(O)CH2CH3 (C4H8O) |
| Molar mass | 72.11 g/mol |
| CAS number | 78-93-3 |
| EC number | 201-159-0 |
| UN number | UN 1193 |
| Transport class | 3 (flammable liquid), packing group II |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Boiling point | About 80 °C |
| Flash point | About −9 °C |
| Density | About 0.805 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Solubility in water | About 27.5 g per 100 mL at 20 °C |
| Manufacturer | Guangzhou Lifly Chemicals Co., Limited |
| Origin | China |
| Packaging | 20 litre container |
| Shelf life | 2 years from manufacture |
A batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available on request.
Applications of Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Paints, Coatings and Thinners
Paint makers use MEK in lacquers, vinyl coatings, primers and thinners. Its balanced drying speed helps the film level before it sets. Explore our paints, coatings and pigments and other solvents and thinners.
Adhesives and PVC Cement
Adhesive makers use it in contact adhesives, polyurethane adhesives and PVC pipe solvent cement. For example, PVC cement often combines MEK with other solvents to soften pipe surfaces so they fuse. See our construction chemicals and adhesives.
Printing Inks
Ink makers use it in gravure and flexographic inks, where fast drying is essential.
Cleaning and Industrial Processing
Workshops use MEK to clean spray equipment and degrease metal before bonding. Refineries also use it in lubricating oil dewaxing. If you need an even faster-drying cleaner, compare it with our quick-drying degreasing solvent.
Safety and Handling
MEK is highly flammable, and its vapour is heavier than air.
- Fire risk: Keep it away from flames, sparks, hot surfaces and smoking. Earth and bond containers during transfer.
- Eye contact: It causes serious eye irritation. Wear safety goggles.
- Vapour: High vapour levels may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Work with good ventilation.
- Skin contact: Repeated exposure dries and cracks the skin. Wear suitable chemical-resistant gloves.
- First aid: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes. Move anyone affected by vapour into fresh air.
Always read the Safety Data Sheet before use.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, flammables-rated area, as the label instructs. Keep them away from heat, sunlight, oxidising agents and strong acids. Use the product within 2 years of manufacture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MEK stand for?
MEK stands for methyl ethyl ketone. Its systematic chemical name is butanone (butan-2-one).
What is the difference between MEK and acetone?
Both are ketone solvents. MEK evaporates more slowly, mixes less with water and dissolves some resins better.
Can MEK damage plastics?
Yes. It softens or dissolves many plastics, including PVC, polystyrene and acrylic. Test on a hidden area first.
Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes. We deliver across East Africa and confirm freight and timelines with your quotation.
Order Methyl Ethyl Ketone from Wisdo Merchants
A dependable solvent supply keeps your coatings and adhesives consistent. Wisdo Merchants Chemical Division delivers from Industrial Area, Nairobi.
Delivery: Same-day delivery within Nairobi upon order confirmation, subject to stock availability. We also deliver across East Africa, and we confirm freight and timelines with your quotation.
Request your quotation today:
- Call or WhatsApp: +254 795 938305
- Email: sales@wisdomerchants.com
- Visit: Dar es Salaam Road, Off Enterprise Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi
- Online: Contact us or browse the full chemical catalogue
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