Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) is a colorless solvent with a sweet odor. It’s used in many industries for its excellent solvent properties and as a chemical intermediate for other compounds.
| IUPAC Name | 4-Methylpentan-2-one |
| Molecular Formula | C6H12O |
| CAS Number | 108-10-1 |
| Synonyms | Hexone, Isobutyl methyl ketone, MIBK, 2-Methyl-4-pentanone |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H12O/c1-5(2)4-6(3)7/h5H,4H2,1-3H3 |
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Properties
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Formula
Methyl isobutyl ketone has the chemical formula C6H12O, which means it contains six carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The structure of MIBK consists of a ketone group, which is a carbonyl group attached to two alkyl groups. Its molecular formula reveals the number and types of atoms in a molecule, making it a useful tool for understanding the chemical properties of MIBK.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Molar Mass
The molar mass of MIBK is 100.16 g/mol. Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, which can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule. MIBK’s molar mass is useful for calculating the amount of MIBK needed for a chemical reaction or to determine its concentration in a solution.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Boiling Point
MIBK has a boiling point of 117.4 °C (243.3 °F). This relatively high boiling point is due to the intermolecular forces between MIBK molecules, which require a significant amount of energy to overcome. The boiling point of MIBK makes it a useful solvent in applications where high temperatures are needed, such as in paint and resin manufacturing.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Melting Point
The melting point of MIBK is -84.7 °C (-120.5 °F). This low melting point is due to the weak intermolecular forces between MIBK molecules. The low melting point of MIBK makes it a liquid at room temperature, which is useful in many industrial applications.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Density g/mL
The density of MIBK is 0.798 g/mL at 25°C. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume, and the density of MIBK is dependent on its molecular weight and the size and shape of its molecules. The density of MIBK is used to determine the volume of a substance required for a particular application.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of MIBK is 100.16 g/mol. Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule, and it is a useful property for determining the properties of a substance, such as its boiling and melting points, and solubility.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Structure
MIBK has a linear structure with a carbonyl group attached to two alkyl groups. The molecule has a planar configuration with a bond angle of approximately 120 degrees. The structure of MIBK influences its physical and chemical properties, such as its boiling and melting points, and its solubility.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Solubility
MIBK is soluble in many organic solvents, including ethanol, acetone, and chloroform. However, it is insoluble in water due to its non-polar structure. The solubility of MIBK is important in industrial applications such as paint and resin manufacturing, where it is used as a solvent to dissolve other substances.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.798 g/mL at 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Sweet, acetone-like |
| Molar Mass | 100.16 g/mol |
| Density | 0.798 g/mL at 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Melting Point | -84.7 °C (-120.5 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 117.4 °C (243.3 °F) |
| Flash Point | 26.7 °C (80.1 °F) |
| Water Solubility | 5.5 g/L at 20 °C (68 °F) |
| Solubility | Soluble in most organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 8.38 mmHg at 20 °C (68 °F) |
| Vapour Density | 3.48 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 10.2 (estimated) |
| pH | Not applicable |
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Safety and Hazards
MIBK can be hazardous if not handled properly. It is a flammable liquid and can easily ignite in the presence of a spark or open flame. It can also emit toxic fumes when heated or burned. It can cause skin irritation and is harmful if ingested or inhaled. Proper protective measures such as gloves, goggles, and respirators should be worn while handling this chemical. MIBK should be stored in a cool and well-ventilated area away from heat sources and oxidizing agents. In case of exposure or ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
| Hazard Symbols | F, Xi, N |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations. |
| UN IDs | UN 1245 |
| HS Code | 29141100 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | LD50: 2730 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Synthesis Methods
Various methods can synthesize Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK).
One of the most common methods is the oxidation of methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC). The production of MIBC involves reacting isobutylene with formaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst, followed by oxidizing MIBC using a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce MIBK.
Another method of synthesizing MIBK is through the hydrogenation of acetone. In the presence of a catalyst, people react to acetone with hydrogen to produce MIBK. The method yields a high-purity MIBK, which the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries often use.
To produce MIBK, one can condense acetone with isobutyraldehyde in the presence of a base catalyst. The base catalyst facilitates the reaction to produce MIBK.
The refining of crude oil produces MIBK in the petroleum industry as a byproduct. To obtain MIBK, people separate the various components of crude oil during the refining process.
Various methods exist to achieve the synthesis of MIBK, each having its advantages and disadvantages. The method chosen depends on the required purity, quantity, and cost of the MIBK.
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Uses
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) has various uses across different industries, such as:
- Solvent: Commonly used as a solvent in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks. Also used in the manufacturing of rubber products, resins, and synthetic fibers.
- Extraction Agent: Used as an extraction agent in the production of pharmaceuticals and natural products. Also used to extract and purify a variety of substances from plant and animal sources.
- Chemical Intermediate: Chemical manufacturers use MIBK as a chemical intermediate in producing other chemicals, such as methyl isobutyl carbinol, which they use in the manufacturing of synthetic rubber.
- Cleaning Agent: Used as a cleaning agent in the electronics industry to remove oils and other contaminants from electronic components.
- Degreaser: Used as a degreaser in the automotive industry to remove oil and grease from engine parts and components.
- Flavoring Agent: Used as a flavoring agent in the food industry, especially in the production of processed foods.
Questions:
Q: What is methyl isobutyl ketone used for?
A: MIBK is used as a solvent in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks. It is also used as an extraction agent in the production of pharmaceuticals and natural products and as a degreaser in the automotive industry.
Q: What is methyl isobutyl ketone?
A: MIBK is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is a type of ketone compound that is commonly used as a solvent in various industries.
Q: Where can I get methyl isobutyl ketone?
A: MIBK can be obtained from chemical suppliers, industrial suppliers, and online retailers. However, it is important to follow proper safety precautions when handling this chemical.
Q: Is methyl isobutyl ketone the same as methane?
A: No, MIBK is not the same as methane. MIBK is a ketone compound that is commonly used as a solvent, while methane is a natural gas that is primarily used as a fuel source.
Q: Is methyl isobutyl ketone soluble in water?
A: MIBK is not very soluble in water. However, it is highly soluble in many organic solvents.
Q: Is to be extracted by of MIBK water acetone?
A: Yes, MIBK can be used to extract substances from mixtures containing water and acetone. This is because MIBK is more soluble in water than acetone, allowing it to selectively extract certain substances.
Q: What is MIBK used for?
A: MIBK is used as a solvent in the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, and inks. It is also used as an extraction agent in the production of pharmaceuticals and natural products, as a degreaser in the automotive industry, and as a cleaning agent in the electronics industry.
Q: What is MIBK-IPA PMMA?
A: MIBK-IPA PMMA is a mixture of MIBK, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), and Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). This mixture is used as a resist material in the microfabrication of electronic components.