MSDS of 2-Butanone

Identification

Product Name: 2-Butanone
Synonyms: Methyl ethyl ketone, MEK, Ethyl methyl ketone
CAS Number: 78-93-3
EC Number: 201-159-0
Intended Use: Solvent for resins, gums, coatings, adhesives, cleaning agents
Manufacturer Info: Name, address, emergency phone number should match the source label

Hazard Identification

Classification: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, causes serious eye irritation, may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapor; H319 – Causes serious eye irritation; H336 – May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames; wear eye and face protection; avoid breathing vapor or mist; use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area; if medical advice is needed, have container or label at hand

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: 2-Butanone
Common Name: MEK
Concentration: >99 percent
Impurities/Additives: None significant

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, get medical attention if symptoms persist, monitor for respiratory distress or dizziness
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with plenty of water, seek medical help for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, seek immediate medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: Direct water stream may spread flames
Specific Hazards: Gives off irritating or toxic fumes like carbon monoxide when burning
Firefighting Instructions: Evacuate area, firefighters wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Explosion Risk: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air, containers may explode if heated

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, avoid breathing vapor
Protective Equipment: Chemical goggles, gloves, protective clothing, respirator if high vapor concentration
Spill Cleanup: Contain and collect spillage with non-combustible absorbent materials like sand or earth, transfer to containers for disposal, clean surface thoroughly

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas to keep vapor low, ground containers to prevent static discharge, keep away from heat or sparks, avoid breathing mist or vapor, use local exhaust ventilation
Storage: Store in tightly closed, fire-proof containers, away from oxidizers and acids, maintain in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, avoid temperature extremes, check regularly for leaks

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 200 ppm (590 mg/m³), ACGIH TLV 200 ppm (TWA), 300 ppm (STEL)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, safety showers, and eyewash stations
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, chemical-resistant clothing, approved respirator for concentrations above limits

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, sharp, acetone-like scent
Boiling Point: 79.6°C (175.3°F)
Melting Point: -86°C (-123°F)
Flash Point: -6°C (21°F) (Closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 105 mmHg at 20°C
Relative Density: 0.805 at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water
Vapor Density: 2.5 (air = 1)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 404°C (759°F)
Explosive Limits: 1.8-11.5% (in air)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, fumes
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal temperatures and pressures
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, spark sources, incompatible materials such as oxidizing agents

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: Eye, skin, respiratory irritation, headache, drowsiness, nausea
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause dermatitis, central nervous system effects
LD50 (Oral, rat): 2737 mg/kg
LD50 (Dermal, rabbit): >8000 mg/kg
LC50 (Inhalation, rat): 11,700 ppm/4 hour
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Readily biodegradable, moderate aquatic toxicity
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96 h): 3220 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades rapidly by soil and water microorganisms, does not bioaccumulate
Mobility: High volatility, may partition to air from soil or water
Hazard for Water: May have harmful effects on aquatic organisms if released in significant quantities

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Incinerate in approved facility, consult local and national regulations for disposal
Waste Packaging: Empty containers may still contain residues, do not reuse, follow legal procedures for container disposal
Precautions: Never pour down the drain or release into the environment

Transport Information

UN Number: UN 1193
Proper Shipping Name: Ethyl methyl ketone
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable liquid symbol
IMDG Code: 3, UN 1193, PG II
Special Precautions: Shipping containers tightly closed and upright, keep away from ignition sources during transport

Regulatory Information

US Regulations: OSHA (hazardous), TSCA (listed), SARA 302/304 (not listed), SARA 311/312 (fire, acute, chronic health), SARA 313 (reportable)
Canada Regulations: WHMIS (Class B2, D2B), DSL (listed)
EU Regulations: REACH registered, EC 1272/2008 (Classification, Labeling, Packaging)
Other Regulations: Provide training for handlers, follow local, state, and national regulations for chemical safety