2 Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone or MEK is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. It is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial and household applications.
| IUPAC Name | 2-Butanone |
| Molecular Formula | C4H8O |
| CAS number | 78-93-3 |
| Synonyms | Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), Butan-2-one, 2-Butanone, 3-Oxobutan-2-one |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H8O/c1-3-4-5-2/h3-4H,1-2H3 |
Butanone Structure
Butanone has a molecular formula of C4H8O and its molecular structure can be represented as CH3C(O)CH2CH3. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, fruity odor. Butanone is a ketone, meaning that it contains a carbonyl group (C=O) that is bonded to a carbon atom. This carbonyl group makes butanone an important intermediate in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
2-Butanone Molar Mass
Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), has a molar mass of 72.11 g/mol. This is the amount of substance in a given sample of butanone, expressed in grams per mole. The molar mass is an important property of butanone that is used in various calculations and experiments in chemistry, such as determining the mass of a substance required to react with another substance in a specific molar ratio. The molar mass of butanone can also be used to convert between its mass and moles, which is useful in many applications, including chemical reactions, chemical synthesis, and analytical chemistry.
MEK Boiling Point
The boiling point of MEK is 80.6 °C (176.5 °F). This is the temperature at which MEK changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The boiling point is an important property of MEK because it affects its ability to evaporate and form a vapor. For example, in some applications, MEK is used as a solvent and it is desirable for it to evaporate quickly, so that the solute can be removed. In other applications, it is desirable for MEK to remain in its liquid form, so that it can be used as a solvent for reactions that are carried out at or below its boiling point.
MEK Melting Point
The melting point of MEK is -93.9 °C (-136.0 °F). This is the temperature at which MEK changes from a solid state to a liquid state. The melting point is an important property of MEK because it affects its ability to be used as a solvent for solid substances. For example, MEK can be used as a solvent for some solids that have a melting point that is below its own melting point, such as fats, waxes, and resins.
MEK Density g/mL
The density of MEK is 0.80 g/mL. This is the mass per unit volume of MEK and is an important property that is used in many applications, including the calculation of the amount of MEK required for a specific volume. The density of MEK is also used to calculate its molar volume, which is the volume occupied by one mole of MEK. This information is useful in various experiments, including the determination of the molar mass of a substance.
MEK Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of MEK is 72.11 g/mol. This is the sum of the atomic weights of the atoms in one molecule of MEK and is an important property that is used in many applications, including the calculation of the molar mass of a substance. The molecular weight of MEK can be used to convert between its mass and moles, which is useful in many applications, including chemical reactions, chemical synthesis, and analytical chemistry.
MEK Formula
The chemical formula for MEK is C4H8O. This formula represents the relative proportions.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.79 – 0.80 |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Sweet, fruity |
| Molar Mass | 72.11 g/mol |
| Density | 0.79 – 0.80 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -93.9 °C (-136.0 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 80.6 °C (176.5 °F) |
| Flash Point | 12 °C (53.6 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in most organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 38 mmHg (20°C) |
| Vapour Density | 2.3 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 20.2 |
| pH | 7 (neutral) |
Note: The values provided in this table are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the source and conditions of the measurement.
Butanone Safety and Hazards
Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone, is a flammable and volatile liquid that can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory irritation if not handled with proper safety measures. Inhaling high concentrations of butanone can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations of butanone can cause kidney and liver damage. It is also highly flammable and can ignite easily, which makes it a fire hazard. When using butanone, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective clothing and goggles, and avoid skin contact. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse immediately with water and seek medical attention if necessary. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention immediately. Butanone should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from heat sources and flames.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable liquid, Irritant |
| Safety Description | S2 – Keep out of reach of children<br>S16 – Keep away from sources of ignition<br>S24/25 – Avoid contact with skin and eyes<br>S26 – In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice |
| UN Ids | UN1090 |
| HS Code | 29141100 |
| Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable Liquid) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | LD50 (oral, rat) – 4,220 mg/kg |
Butanone Synthesis Methods
Butanone can be synthesized through several methods, including the direct oxidation of 2-butanol and the aldol condensation of acetone and 2-propanol.
The direct oxidation method involves the reaction of 2-butanol with an oxidizing agent such as chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The reaction takes place in an acidic environment, and the resulting methyl ethyl ketone is separated from the reaction mixture by distillation.
The aldol condensation method involves the reaction of acetone with 2-propanol in the presence of a strong base such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The reaction produces a mixture of methyl ethyl ketone and other by-products, which are separated by distillation.
Another synthesis method involves the reaction of acetone with formaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid. This reaction produces a mixture of methyl ethyl ketone, formaldehyde, and other by-products, which are separated by distillation.
Overall, the synthesis of methyl ethyl ketone requires careful control of reaction conditions to ensure the production of a high-quality product with minimal by-products. It is important to follow proper safety precautions when working with the chemicals and reactions involved in the synthesis of methyl ethyl ketone.
Butanone Uses
Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone, has a wide range of industrial uses due to its solvency, volatility, and low boiling point. Some of the most common uses of butanone include:
- Solvent: Methyl ethyl ketone serves as a solvent for various substances such as resins, adhesives, inks, paint strippers, printing inks, nitrocellulose lacquers, and synthetic rubbers.
- Cleaning Agent: The electronics industry uses it as a cleaning agent to clean metal parts and surfaces from grease, oil, and other contaminants.
- Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, methyl ethyl ketone serves as a solvent in the production of vaccines, antibiotics, and other medications.
- Coatings: Coatings for wood, paper, and other materials also use methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent in their production, as well as in the manufacture of varnishes, lacquers, and other protective coatings.
- Perfumes: The cosmetics and food industries use methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent for fragrances and flavors.
- Adhesives: Adhesives and sealants also utilize methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent in their production.
In addition to its industrial uses, methyl ethyl ketone has also been studied for its potential as a fuel. It has a high energy content and low toxicity compared to other fuels, making it a promising alternative energy source.
Questions:
What will the following reaction yield? 2-butanone + h2/ni catalyst
The reaction of 2-butanone with hydrogen gas over a nickel catalyst is known as the hydrogenation reaction. This reaction will yield the following product:
2-butanone + H2 -> 2-butanol
The reduction of the double bond between the carbon and oxygen atoms in the ketone group of 2 butanone results in the formation of 2-butanol through the activation of hydrogen gas by a nickel catalyst. The chemical industry commonly uses this reaction to produce 2-butanol, a valuable solvent and starting material for other chemical production. Careful control of temperature, pressure, and catalyst type is necessary for efficient and selective hydrogenation of 2 butanone to 2-butanol.
Is 2 butanone a ketone?
Organic chemistry characterizes 2 butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone, as a type of ketone with a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a carbon atom within a hydrocarbon chain. The carbonyl group of 2 butanone resides between two carbon atoms, hence its label as a “methyl ethyl ketone.”
What is the ir spectrum of 2-butanone?
The IR (infrared) spectrum of 2-butanone (also known as methyl ethyl ketone) can provide important information about its molecular structure and functional groups. The IR spectrum of 2-butanone typically shows the following main absorption bands:
- Carbonyl stretch: This band appears as a sharp peak between 1700 and 1700 cm^-1, and is characteristic of the C=O functional group in the ketone.
- Alkyl stretch: The peaks between 2900 and 3000 cm^-1 correspond to the stretching vibrations of the CH2 and CH3 groups in 2-butanone.
- C-H bending: The peaks between 1400 and 1500 cm^-1 correspond to the bending vibrations of the CH bonds in 2-butanone.
- C-O-C bending: The peak between 1300 and 1400 cm^-1 corresponds to the bending vibrations of the C-O-C group in 2-butanone.
It is important to note that the IR spectrum of 2-butanone will be influenced by the sample preparation and instrumentation used, as well as the presence of any impurities or contaminants.