CAS Number: 78-93-3
Synonyms: MEK; 2-butanone; Methylpropanone; Ethylmethylketone; Butanone
Brief Description
This colorless liquid ketone has a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of butterscotch and acetone. It is soluble in water and is commonly used as an industrial solvent. Butanone is an effective and common solvent and is used in processes involving gums, resins, cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose coatings and in vinyl films.
For this reason it finds use in the manufacture of plastics, textiles, in the production of paraffin wax, and in household products such as lacquer, varnishes, paint remover, a denaturing agent for denatured alcohol, glues, and as a cleaning agent. It has similar solvent properties to acetone but has a significantly slower evaporation rate.