Skip to main content

Butanone

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C4H8O
CAS number
78-93-3
IUPAC name
butan-2-one
State
State

At room temperature, butanone is a liquid.

Melting point (Celsius)
-86.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
187.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
79.64
Boiling point (Kelvin)
352.79
General information
Molecular weight
72.11g/mol
Molar mass
72.1060g/mol
Density
0.8050g/cm3
Appearence

Butanone, also known as ethyl methyl ketone (MEK), is a colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of butterscotch and acetone.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Butan-2-one

Butan-2-one, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is a highly versatile organic compound with notable solubility characteristics. Its behavior in solvents can be summarized as follows:

  • Polar Solvents: Butan-2-one is highly soluble in polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone due to its polar carbonyl group. This makes it an excellent candidate for applications in aqueous systems.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: It also exhibits good solubility in non-polar solvents, which allows it to mix well with hydrocarbons and organic solvents.
  • Emphasis on Versatility: This dual solubility makes butan-2-one a preferred solvent in various industrial applications, including paint removal and as a nail polish remover.

In summary, the solubility of butan-2-one is characterized by its ability to dissolve in both polar and non-polar environments, highlighting its role as a multifunctional solvent. As stated, "Solubility drives the versatility of chemical compounds."

Overall, this property enhances its functionality across diverse chemical processes and everyday uses.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Butan-2-one

Butan-2-one, commonly known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is an intriguing compound widely used in various industrial applications. This organic molecule belongs to the family of ketones and is recognized for its versatile properties and uses.

Key Features of Butan-2-one:

  • Solvent Power: Butan-2-one is an excellent solvent for plastics and resins, making it invaluable in the coatings industry.
  • Odor: It has a distinctive, sweet odor that resembles that of acetone, which can often make it recognizable in various settings.
  • Flammability: Being a flammable liquid, safety precautions are paramount while handling butan-2-one to prevent any fire hazards.
  • Role in Synthesis: Butan-2-one serves as a building block in organic synthesis, playing a crucial role in the production of numerous chemical compounds.

One notable quote from chemist Dr. James H. Simons emphasizes the importance of solvents in chemical processes: "Solvents are an unsung hero in organic chemistry, facilitating reactions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible." Butan-2-one exemplifies this sentiment beautifully, enhancing the efficiency of many industrial processes.

Applications in Industry:

  • Used in the manufacture of adhesives and sealants
  • Employed in textile and leather industries as a cleaning agent
  • Serves as a precursor for synthesizing fine chemicals and pharmaceutical products

In conclusion, butan-2-one is not only a valuable compound in industrial chemistry but also a fascinating study subject due to its reactivity and applications. Understanding its properties and handling it with care is essential for any aspiring chemist or industry professional.

Synonyms
2-Butanone
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
Butan-2-one
Butanone
78-93-3
Ethyl methyl ketone
Methylethyl ketone
Meetco
Methyl acetone
Methylethylketone
3-Butanone
Ethylmethylketon
ethylmethylketone
Aethylmethylketon
Butanone 2
Acetone, methyl-
Ethyl methyl cetone
Metiletilchetone
Metyloetyloketon
Ketone, ethyl methyl
MEK
ethylmethyl ketone
Metyl ethyl ketone
methylacetone
methyl(ethyl) ketone
Metiletilcetona
Oxobutane
RCRA waste number U159
Methylethylketon
Caswell No. 569
Ethylmethylcetone
2-butanon
FEMA No. 2170
HSDB 99
CCRIS 2051
UNII-6PT9KLV9IO
2-BUTANONE-D8
6PT9KLV9IO
2-Oxobutane
C2H5COCH3
methyl ethylketone
AI3-07540 (USDA)
EINECS 201-159-0
methyl ethyl cetone
MFCD00011648
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 044103
ethyl(methyl) ketone
DTXSID3021516
CHEBI:28398
AI3-07540
2-Butanone, HPLC Grade
DTXCID801516
EC 201-159-0
Butanone 2 [French]
METHYL ETHYL KETONE (II)
METHYL ETHYL KETONE [II]
Ethylmethylketon [Dutch]
METHYL ETHYL KETONE (MART.)
METHYL ETHYL KETONE [MART.]
Metiletilcetona [Spanish]
Metyloetyloketon [Polish]
Aethylmethylketon [German]
Ethylmethylcetone [French]
Metiletilchetone [Italian]
2-Butanone, ACS reagent, >=99.0%
methyl-ethyl ketone
Ethyl methyl cetone [French]
Butanon, Ethylmethylketon, Methylethylketon, MEK
UN1193
methyl ethyl ketone (mek)
RCRA waste no. U159
n-butanone
2-butanal
ethyl methylketone
ethylmathyl ketone
methyl-ethylketone
methylethyl-ketone
butane-2-one
2 -butanone
2- butanone
butan-3-one
methyl etyl ketone
ethyl-methyl ketone
methyl-ethyl-ketone
Ethyl, methyl ketone
Ketone, methyl ethyl
Caswell No 569
2-Butanone, ACS grade
2-BUTANONE [FCC]
2-BUTANONE [FHFI]
Pesticide Code: 044103
ghl.PD_Mitscher_leg0.417
CHEMBL15849
2-Butanone, analytical standard
2-Butanone, LR, >=99%
METHYL ETHYL KETONE [MI]
Methyl ethyl ketone, ACS reagent
METHYL ETHYL KETONE [HSDB]
2-Butanone, AR, >=99.5%
APA82009
METHYL ETHYL KETONE [VANDF]
2-Butanone, technical grade, 99%
Tox21_200041
LMFA12000043
STL146562
2-Butanone, HPLC Grade, 99.5%
2-Butanone, natural, >=99%, FG
METHYL ETHYL KETONE [USP-RS]
AKOS000118991
2-Butanone, for HPLC, >=99.7%
UN 1193
2-Butanone, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
CAS-78-93-3
2-Butanone, >=99.5%, FCC, FG
NCGC00090973-01
NCGC00090973-02
NCGC00257595-01
BP-30009
2-Butanone 100 microg/mL in Acetonitrile
Ethyl methyl ketone or methyl ethyl ketone
2-Butanone, SAJ first grade, >=99.0%
2-Butanone, JIS special grade, >=99.0%
E0140
NS00003885
C02845
2-Butanone, HPLC grade, for HPLC, >=99.5%
A839534
ETHYL METHYL KETONE (METHYL ETHYL KETONE)
Q372291
doi:10.14272/ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N.1
InChI=1/C4H8O/c1-3-4(2)5/h3H2,1-2H
2-Butanone, puriss., ACS reagent, reag. Ph. Eur., 99.5%
2-Butanone, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. Ph. Eur., >=99.5% (GC)
Ethyl methyl ketone or methyl ethyl ketone [UN1193] [Flammable liquid]
Methyl ethyl ketone, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
201-159-0