International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL ETHYL KETONE

ICSC: 0179

METHYL ETHYL KETONE
2-Butanone
Methylpropanone
MEK
CH₃COC₂H₅
Molecular mass: 72.1
CAS # 78-93-3
RTECS # EL6475000
ICSC # 0179
UN # 1193
EC # 606-002-00-3

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	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. Dullness. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness. Vomiting.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION	Abdominal cramps. Confusion (further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids. Cool. Well closed.

F symbol
Xi symbol
R: 11-36/37
S: 9-16-25-33
UN Haz Class: 3
UN Pack Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0179

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL ETHYL KETONE

ICSC: 0179

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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 causing fire hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as TWA): 200 ppm; 590 mg/m³; (as STEL: 300 ppm; 885 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1992-1993).
MAK: 200 ppm; 590 mg/m³; D (1992).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin, 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 irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 80°C
Melting point: -86°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 29
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 10.5

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.41
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

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.