Secbutanone

Secbutanone, also known as 2-butanone or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is an organic solvent with the formula C4H8O. Its IUPAC name is butan-2-one. The molecule features a carbonyl group adjacent to a methyl group on one side and an ethyl group on the other.

Secbutanone is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor. It is miscible with many organic solvents and has limited miscibility with water. In industry, it is valued for its effectiveness as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning formulations, and it is used as a reaction solvent in various organic syntheses. It also appears in the manufacturing processes for polymers and pharmaceuticals.

Industrial production typically involves the catalytic dehydrogenation or selective oxidation of sec-butanol (2-butanol) to yield 2-butanone, followed by purification. Alternative routes exist in petrochemical processing, but the dehydrogenation of sec-butanol is the principal commercial method.

Safety and handling: secbutanone is flammable and should be stored away from heat and ignition sources in well-ventilated areas. Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; high concentrations may cause dizziness or central nervous system effects. It is regulated as a volatile organic compound in many jurisdictions.

Environmental and regulatory notes: as a VOC, secbutanone is subject to controls aimed at minimizing emissions. Spills should be contained and cleaned up promptly to prevent environmental release.