ABSTRACT
Interest in methyl ethyl ketone grew with its use as a low-boiling-point replacement solvent for butyl alcohols in the paint and lacquer industry. Methyl ethyl ketone is also available as a by-product of acetic acid manufacture from butane. Hydrogen is flashed off overhead, scrubbed to remove any residual methyl ethyl ketone and used as fuel. Methyl ethyl ketone’s major outlet is as a low-boiling solvent for nitrocellulose, acrylic and vinyl surface coatings. The fast evaporation rate of methyl ethyl ketone makes it a popular solvent base for adhesives, rubber-based industrial cements, low-temperature bonding agents and printing inks. Methyl ethyl ketone vapour is irritating to eyes and throat leading to coughing, headaches and nausea. Methyl ethyl ketone is highly inflammable and fires should be tackled with carbon dioxide, dry chemical or foam. The movement of methyl ethyl ketone or thinners containing it are subject to transport regulations because of its flammability.
