Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
Other Names
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4-Methylpentan-2-one
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Hexone
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MIBK
CAS Number: 108-10-1
Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₂O
Molecular Weight: 100.16 g/mol
📘 1. Definition
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is a colorless, flammable organic solvent with a characteristic mild, ketone-like odor. It is widely used in industrial applications, particularly where a strong solvent is required with moderate evaporation rate. MIBK has good solvency for resins, polymers, paints, and coatings, and is used in chemical synthesis and extraction processes.
🧪 2. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 100.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild ketone odor |
| Boiling Point | 117–118 °C |
| Melting Point | -84 °C |
| Flash Point | 27 °C (closed cup) |
| Density | 0.805 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 13.3 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents |
| Evaporation Rate | Moderate |
| Refractive Index | 1.398 |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; reacts with strong oxidizers |
🧰 3. Applications / Uses
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Solvent for nitrocellulose, acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy coatings |
| Printing Inks | Solvent for lithography, flexographic, gravure, and screen printing inks |
| Adhesives & Sealants | Solvent in rubber, epoxy, and synthetic resin adhesives |
| Chemical Industry | Intermediate in chemical synthesis, extraction solvent |
| Electronics | Cleaning solvent for precision electronic components |
| Pharmaceuticals | Solvent in certain API syntheses and formulations |
⚠️ 4. Safety & Handling
| Hazard | Details |
|---|---|
| Flammability | Highly flammable liquid and vapor |
| Health Hazards | Can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; prolonged exposure may affect the central nervous system |
| Environmental | Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid release to water bodies |
| PPE | Use gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation |
| Storage | Store in cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, and oxidizers |
| Exposure Limits | OSHA PEL: 100 ppm (TWA); ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm (TWA) |
📌 5. Summary
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is a versatile solvent widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, and chemical synthesis. Its moderate evaporation rate, strong solvency, and chemical stability make it valuable for industrial and laboratory applications. However, it is flammable and should be handled with proper PPE and storage precautions.





