Butanone
Butanone, also known as 2-butanone or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is a simple aliphatic ketone and an important industrial organic compound with the molecular formula C₄H₈O. It features a four-carbon chain where the carbonyl group (C=O) is attached to the second carbon atom, giving it the systematic name butan-2-one, and it appears as a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic sharp, sweet odor. This compound is highly flammable and soluble in water (to about 27.5 g/100 mL at 20 °C) and miscible with most organic solvents, making it versatile for chemical processes.[1][2] Key physical properties of butanone include a boiling point of 79.6 °C, a melting point of -86.3 °C, and a density of 0.805 g/cm³ at 20 °C, which contribute to its widespread utility as a low-boiling solvent (see § Properties).[2] Commercially, butanone is produced primarily through the catalytic dehydrogenation of 2-butanol in the gas phase, accounting for about 86% of U.S. production (based on 1991 data), with the remainder derived from the oxidation of n-butane; global production was approximately 1.1 million metric tons in 2022 (see § Production).[3][4] In industry, butanone serves mainly as a solvent in manufacturing paints, coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and other products, with additional applications in synthetic rubber, pharmaceuticals, and purification processes (see § Uses).[5][6] Regarding safety, butanone is classified as a hazardous substance due to its flammability (flash point of -9 °C) and potential health effects; acute inhalation exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, while higher concentrations may lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, and central nervous system depression (see § Safety and regulation). It is harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, potentially causing dermatitis or liver and kidney effects upon prolonged exposure, though it is not considered carcinogenic. Occupational exposure limits are set at 200 ppm (time-weighted average) by agencies like OSHA to mitigate risks.[6]Properties
Physical properties
Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is a colorless liquid with a sweet, acetone-like odor.[1] Its molecular formula is C₄H₈O, and it has a molecular weight of 72.11 g/mol.[7] The compound exhibits a boiling point of 79.6 °C and a melting point of −86.3 °C.[7] At 20 °C, its vapor pressure is 78 mmHg.[1] Key physical properties of butanone are summarized in the following table:| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.8049 g/cm³ | 20 °C | https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigald/360473 |
| Refractive index | 1.3788 | 20 °C (n_D) | https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/silmarils-liquids-n-k/docs/META.MIR.PUR.2-Butanone.LIQ.SIGMA-ALDRICH.PNNL515381.pdf |
| Viscosity | 0.41 cP | 20 °C | https://trc.nist.gov/ThermoML/10.1021/je050110r.html |
| Flash point | −9 °C | Closed cup | https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/Aldrich/W217018 |
| Solubility in water | 27.5 g/100 mL | 20 °C | https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone |
| Miscibility | Miscible with ethanol, ether | N/A | https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone |
| Specific heat capacity | 2.20 J/g·K | 25 °C | https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C78933&Mask=7 |
| Heat of vaporization | 31.3 kJ/mol | Boiling point | https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C78933&Mask=4 |