Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), also known as methyl ethyl (methyl) ketone, 2-butanone, or butanone, is a high-end oxygen-containing solvent.
Due to its strong solubility, fast evaporation rate, low toxicity, and good stability, methyl ethyl ketone solvent is mainly used as a solvent for polyurethane, nitrocellulose, vinyl resin, and coatings. It is also used as a dewaxing agent for lubricating oil, magnetic tape, ink, adhesive, and synthetic leather. In addition, it is also used in various organic synthesis, fragrance, leather, and pharmaceutical industries, such as methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone oxime, and methyl pentanol. MEK is also used as a developer for integrated circuit lithography and is one of the important raw materials in the information industry.