2-Butanone
Synonyms & Trade Names
Ethyl methyl ketone, MEK, Methyl acetone, Methyl ethyl ketoneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) ST 300 ppm (885 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless liquid with a moderately sharp, fragrant, mint- or acetone-like odor.Molecular Weight
72.1Boiling Point
175°FFreezing Point
-123°FSolubility
28%Vapor Pressure
78 mmHgIonization Potential
9.54 eVSpecific Gravity
0.81Flash Point
16°FUpper Exposive Limit
(200°F): 11.4%Lower Explosive Limit
(200°F): 1.4%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers, amines, ammonia, inorganic acids, caustics, isocyanates, pyridinesExposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose; headache; dizziness; vomiting; dermatitisTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water wash immediately
Breathing:Fresh air
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 3000 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)£
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division