[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, methyl ethyl ketone structure.

Methyl ethyl ketone properties

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), chemical formula C4H8O, is a colorless transparent liquid with a strong pungent odor. It has a molecular weight of 72.11g/mol, a boiling point of 79.6°C, a melting point of -86°C and a density of about 0.805g/cm³. Methyl ethyl ketone is a highly volatile and flammable compound with excellent solubility and can dissolve a variety of organic substances, such as resins, coatings, adhesives and oils. MEK has low solubility in water, but has good miscibility with most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether and benzene.

Methyl ethyl ketone uses

Methyl ethyl ketone is widely used in industry and is mainly used as a solvent. Its excellent solubility makes it an important solvent for paints, coatings, inks and varnishes. MEK is also used as a solvent in the plastics and rubber industries for the manufacture of adhesives and cleaning agents. Due to its potent dissolving power, MEK is also one of the important solvents used in the pharmaceutical industry for the extraction and purification of active ingredients. In chemical production, MEK can be used as a medium for some chemical reactions, such as playing a key role in the preparation of polymer materials and cellulose derivatives.

Methyl ethyl ketone upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials

The main upstream feedstocks for the production of methyl ethyl ketone are 2-butanol (2-Butanol) and acetone (Acetone). Among them, 2-butanol can be obtained by oxidation of n-butane (n-Butane), and acetone is obtained by oxidation of isopropanol (Isopropanol) or by oxidation of isobutane (Isobutane). Another common production method is the hydrogenation of propylene (Propylene) and butene (Butene) to produce 2-butanol, and then catalytic oxidation to produce methyl ethyl ketone.

Downstream Products

The main downstream products of methyl ethyl ketone include various coatings, paints, varnishes and adhesives. MEK is also used in the production of certain specialty chemicals, such as methyl ethyl ketoxime (Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime), which is an important additive to prevent coating skinning during storage. In the plastics industry, MEK can be used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other resins.

Methyl ethyl ketone storage method

Since methyl ethyl ketone is highly volatile and flammable, special attention needs to be paid to safety during storage. MEK should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire, heat and direct sunlight. Storage containers should be stainless steel or aluminum containers with good tightness, and plastic containers should be avoided to prevent solvents from corroding or dissolving plastics. The storage area should be equipped with explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities, and set up fire prevention equipment and leakage emergency treatment device. Operators should wear appropriate protective equipment such as protective gloves, goggles and protective clothing when using methyl ethyl ketone to avoid skin contact and inhalation of its vapors.

Environmental and health impacts

Methyl ethyl ketone has a certain impact on the environment and health. Its volatile organic compound (VOC) characteristics make it easy to form photochemical smog in the atmosphere, which affects air quality. Inhalation of high concentrations of methyl ethyl ketone vapor may cause respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness and other symptoms, and long-term exposure may cause damage to the central nervous system. Skin contact with MEK can cause skin dryness and irritation. Therefore, the use and handling of MEK need to take appropriate precautions and comply with the relevant safety practices and environmental protection regulations.

market prospect analysis

As an important industrial solvent, the market demand for methyl ethyl ketone is influenced by a number of downstream industries, including coatings, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals and detergents. With the advancement of global industrialization and the continuous expansion of downstream applications, the market demand for MEK has shown a steady growth trend. The increasingly stringent environmental protection regulations and the emergence of alternatives have also brought certain challenges to the MEK market. For example, the gradual market acceptance of some environmentally friendly solvents may have a substitution effect on the demand for MEK.

Technological progress and innovation

With the continuous progress of technology, the production process of methyl ethyl ketone is also constantly improving. The application of new catalysts and reaction technology can improve the production efficiency and yield of MEK, reduce production costs and energy consumption. The concept of green chemistry and sustainable development has promoted the improvement of more environmentally friendly and safe processes in the MEK production process. For example, the research on the preparation of MEK from biomass has made some progress, which helps to reduce the dependence on petrochemical resources and reduce the environmental burden.

Summary

As an important organic solvent, methyl ethyl ketone has excellent solubility and a wide range of applications. In the production process, the upstream raw materials are mainly 2-butanol and acetone, while the downstream products include various coatings, adhesives and specialty chemicals. Due to its volatility and flammability, storage and use of MEK requires special attention to safety. Although the market prospect is good, the pressure of environmental protection and the emergence of alternatives also bring challenges to its development. Technological progress and innovation have brought new opportunities for the production and application of MEK, and promoted its progress in greening and sustainable development.