M

Methyl ethyl ketone

IUPAC: butan-2-one

C4H8O Organic Compounds CAS 78-93-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H8O
CAS Number78-93-3
Molecular Weight72.11
Melting Point-123.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point175.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.806 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethyl ethyl ketone appears as colorless fairly volatile liquid with a pleasant pungent odor. Flash point 20 °F. Vapors heavier than air. Does not react with water or many common materials. Stable...
Also Known Asbutan-2-one; 2-Butanone; Butan-2-one; Butanone; 78-93-3; Ethyl methyl ketone; Methylethyl ketone; Meetco; Methyl acetone; Methylethylketone
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Methyl ethyl ketone?

Butan-2-one is a dialkyl ketone that is a four-carbon ketone carrying a single keto- group at position C-2. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent and a bacterial metabolite. It is a volatile organic compound, a dialkyl ketone, a butanone and a methyl ketone.

Formula & Notation

C4H8O

IUPAC Name: butan-2-one

Other Names / Synonyms: butan-2-one; 2-Butanone; Butan-2-one; Butanone; 78-93-3; Ethyl methyl ketone; Methylethyl ketone; Meetco; Methyl acetone; Methylethylketone

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Methyl ethyl ketone appears as colorless fairly volatile liquid with a pleasant pungent odor. Flash point 20 °F. Vapors heavier than air. Does not react with water or many common materials. Stable.... Molecular formula: C4H8O. Molecular weight: 72.11 g/mol. Boiling point: 175.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -123.3 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.806 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 77.5 mmHg at 68 °F ; 100 mmHg at 77.0 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-123.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point175.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.806 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight72.11
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethyl ethyl ketone appears as colorless fairly volatile liquid with a pleasant pungent odor. Flash point 20 °F. Vapors heavier than air. Does not react with water or many common materials. Stable...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Methyl ethyl ketone
Formula C4H8O
CAS Number 78-93-3
Molecular Weight 72.11
Synonyms butan-2-one; 2-Butanone; Butan-2-one; Butanone; 78-93-3; Ethyl methyl ketone; Methylethyl ketone; Meetco; Methyl acetone; Methylethylketone

Frequently Asked Questions

Butan-2-one is a dialkyl ketone that is a four-carbon ketone carrying a single keto- group at position C-2. It has a role as a polar aprotic solvent and a bacterial metabolite. It is a volatile organic compound, a dialkyl ketone, a butanone and a methyl ketone.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.