IPCS INCHEM Home
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
ICSC: 0179
Peer-Review Status: 25.03.1998 Validated
Ethyl methyl ketone
2-Butanone
MEK
Methyl acetone 
CAS #: 78-93-3 RTECS #: EL6475000
UN #: 1193
EC #: 606-002-00-3
EINECS #: 201-159-0
 		    Formula: C4H8O / CH3COCH2CH3
Molecular mass: 72.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.  In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE      
Inhalation Cough. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin   Protective gloves.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. 
Eyes Redness. Pain.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Unconsciousness. Further see Inhalation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.   
EC Classification
Symbol: F, Xi; R: 11-36-66-67; S: (2)-9-16; Note: 6 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1193.
NFPA Code: H1; F3; R0.  		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids. Cool. Well closed. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. 

Chemical dangers
Reacts violently with strong oxidants and inorganic acids. This generates fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some plastics. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA; 300 ppm as STEL; BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 200 ppm, 600 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: C; Skin absorption (H); (DFG 2004). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The liquid defats the skin. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: 80°C
Melting point: -86°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 29
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 10.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.41
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.1
Flash point: -9°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 505°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.8-11.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.29   		 

NOTES
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Card has been partly updated in October 2004.
See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Methyl ethyl ketone (EHC 143, 1992)