2-Butanone

Athanor · official

C₄H₈O · 72.11 g/mol

IUPAC name: butan-2-one

Also called MEK, methyl ethyl ketone, butanone

Solvents

Open in Athanor

Drawn from its SMILES with RDKit

DangerHighly Flammable liquid and vapor · Causes serious eye irritation · May cause drowsiness or dizziness

Names and identifiers

IUPAC name: butan-2-one
Synonyms: MEK, methyl ethyl ketone, butanone
+ 37 more
METHYL ETHYL KETONE, Butan-2-one, Butanone, Ethyl methyl ketone, Methylethyl ketone, Meetco, Methyl acetone, Methylethylketone, 3-Butanone, Ethylmethylketon, Aethylmethylketon, Butanone 2, Acetone, methyl-, Ethyl methyl cetone, Metiletilchetone, Metyloetyloketon, Ketone, ethyl methyl, Metyl ethyl ketone, Metiletilcetona, RCRA waste number U159, Ethylmethylcetone, FEMA No. 2170, DTXSID3021516, 6PT9KLV9IO, AI3-07540 (USDA), EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 044103, DTXCID801516, CHEBI:28398, RefChem:6655, CHEBI:22951, 201-159-0, ethylmethylketone, 2-BUTANONE-D8, ethylmethyl ketone, Oxobutane, Methylethylketon, 2-butanon
Molecular formula: C₄H₈O
Empirical formula: C₄H₈O
Molecular weight: 72.11 g/mol
Exact mass: 72.05751
CAS number: 78-93-3
PubChem CID: 6569
Canonical SMILES: CCC(=O)C
Isomeric SMILES: CCC(=O)C
InChI: InChI=1S/C4H8O/c1-3-4(2)5/h3H2,1-2H3
InChIKey: ZWEHNKRNPOVVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molfile

Names, InChI and the identifiers from PubChem, retrieved 2026-10-14.

Physical properties

TemperaturePressureDensity

Appearance: Colorless liquid[6]
6 values
From Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
– Methyl ethyl ketone appears as colorless fairly volatile liquid with a pleasant pungent odor. Flash point 20 °F. Vapors heavier than air. Does not react with water or many common materials. Stable in normal transportation. Irritates the nose, eyes, and throat. Combustion may produce toxic materials. Density 6.7 lb / gal. Used as a solvent, for making other chemicals, and for production of wax from petroleum. [1] CAMEO Chemicals
– Liquid; Gas Vapor; CBI [2] EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
– COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– Colorless liquid with a moderately sharp, fragrant, mint- or acetone-like odor. [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– Colorless liquid with a moderately sharp, fragrant, mint- or acetone-like odor. [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
–shown Colorless liquid [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
Odor: Sweet, pleasant, pungent[6]
2 values
From Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
–shown Sweet, pleasant, pungent [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.
– Moderately sharp, fragrant, mint- or acetone-like odor [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
Melting point: -86.64 °C[7]
5 values
5 of 5 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
−86.3 °C -123.3 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
−86 °C -86 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−86 °C -123 °F [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−86.6 °Cshown -86.64 °C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
−86 °C -123 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Boiling point: 79.59 °C @760 [mmHg][7]
5 values
5 of 5 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
79.6 °C 175.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
80 °C 80 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
79 °C 175 °F [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
79.6 °Cshown 79.59 °C @760 [mm Hg] [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
79 °C 175 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Density: 0.7997 at 25 °C/4 °C[6]
8 values
Only one source reports it.
Value As written Source
– 0.806 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
0.805 g/mL 0.805 at 20 °C/4 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
0.7997 g/mLshown 0.7997 at 25 °C/4 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
0.8255 g/mL 0.8255 at 0 °C/4 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
– Relative density (water = 1): 0.8 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– 0.81 [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
– 0.7999 @25 °C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
– 0.81 [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
1 more value was reported but failed the checks (unreadable or out of range), so it is not shown.
Solubility in water: Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 29 (good)[3]
6 values
From ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs), the most authoritative source here.
Value As written Source
– greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
– In water, 2.23X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Taft RW et al; Nature 313: 384-6 (1985)
– In water, 3.13X10+5 mg/L at 10 °C; 2.11X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C; 1.6X10+5 mg/L at 90 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 113
– Soluble in benzene, alcohol, and ether; miscible with oils [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
–shown Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 29 (good) [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
– 28% [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
log P: 0.29[3]
2 values
2 of 2 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
– log Kow = 0.29 [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 9
–shown 0.29 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
pKa: pKa = 14.70[6]
Vapor pressure: 77.5 mmHg at 20 °C (68 °F)[1]
5 values
2 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
77.5 mmHgshown 77.5 mmHg at 68 °F [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
100 mmHg 100 mmHg at 77.0 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
90.6 mmHg 90.6 mm Hg at 25 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites PMID:7676461 Alarie Y et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 134: 92-99 (1995)
79 mmHg Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 10.5 [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
75 mmHg 75 [mm Hg] @21.2 °C [7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
2 more values were reported but failed the checks (unreadable or out of range), so they are not shown.
Flash point: -9 °C c.c.[3]
6 values
4 of 5 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
−3 °C 26 °F (NTP, 1992) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
−9 °C 16 °F (-9 °C) (Closed cup) [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-85
−9 °C -9 °C (closed cup) [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Pohanish, R.P. (ed). Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemical Carcinogens 6th Edition Volume 1: A-K,Volume 2: L-Z. William Andrew, Waltham, MA 2012, p. 1802
−9 °Cshown -9 °C c.c. [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−9 °C 16 °F [4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−9 °C 16 °F [5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Autoignition temperature: 505 °C[3]
3 values
2 of 3 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
516 °C 961 °F (USCG, 1999) [1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
505 °C 505 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Pohanish, R.P. (ed). Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemical Carcinogens 6th Edition Volume 1: A-K,Volume 2: L-Z. William Andrew, Waltham, MA 2012, p. 1802
505 °Cshown 505 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Viscosity: 0.40 cP at 25 °C[3]
2 values
2 of 2 sources agree on it (most common value).
Value As written Source
– 0.40 cP at 25 °C [6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
–shown 0.40 cP at 25 °C [3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Refractive index: Index of refraction: 1.3788 at 20 °C/D[6]

Value	As written	Source
–	Methyl ethyl ketone appears as colorless fairly volatile liquid with a pleasant pungent odor. Flash point 20 °F. Vapors heavier than air. Does not react with water or many common materials. Stable in normal transportation. Irritates the nose, eyes, and throat. Combustion may produce toxic materials. Density 6.7 lb / gal. Used as a solvent, for making other chemicals, and for production of wax from petroleum.	[1] CAMEO Chemicals
–	Liquid; Gas Vapor; CBI	[2] EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
–	COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	Colorless liquid with a moderately sharp, fragrant, mint- or acetone-like odor.	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–	Colorless liquid with a moderately sharp, fragrant, mint- or acetone-like odor.	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
–shown	Colorless liquid	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829

Value	As written	Source
–shown	Sweet, pleasant, pungent	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation. CHRIS - Hazardous Chemical Data. Volume II. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1984-5.
–	Moderately sharp, fragrant, mint- or acetone-like odor	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg

Value	As written	Source
−86.3 °C	-123.3 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
−86 °C	-86 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−86 °C	-123 °F	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−86.6 °Cshown	-86.64 °C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
−86 °C	-123 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
79.6 °C	175.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
80 °C	80 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
79 °C	175 °F	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
79.6 °Cshown	79.59 °C @760 [mm Hg]	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
79 °C	175 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	0.806 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
0.805 g/mL	0.805 at 20 °C/4 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
0.7997 g/mLshown	0.7997 at 25 °C/4 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
0.8255 g/mL	0.8255 at 0 °C/4 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
–	Relative density (water = 1): 0.8	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	0.81	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–	0.7999 @25 °C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
–	0.81	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
–	In water, 2.23X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Taft RW et al; Nature 313: 384-6 (1985)
–	In water, 3.13X10+5 mg/L at 10 °C; 2.11X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C; 1.6X10+5 mg/L at 90 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 113
–	Soluble in benzene, alcohol, and ether; miscible with oils	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
–shown	Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 29 (good)	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–	28%	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
–	log Kow = 0.29	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 9
–shown	0.29	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Value	As written	Source
77.5 mmHgshown	77.5 mmHg at 68 °F	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
100 mmHg	100 mmHg at 77.0 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
90.6 mmHg	90.6 mm Hg at 25 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites PMID:7676461 Alarie Y et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 134: 92-99 (1995)
79 mmHg	Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 10.5	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
75 mmHg	75 [mm Hg] @21.2 °C	[7] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy

Value	As written	Source
−3 °C	26 °F (NTP, 1992)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
−9 °C	16 °F (-9 °C) (Closed cup)	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-85
−9 °C	-9 °C (closed cup)	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Pohanish, R.P. (ed). Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemical Carcinogens 6th Edition Volume 1: A-K,Volume 2: L-Z. William Andrew, Waltham, MA 2012, p. 1802
−9 °Cshown	-9 °C c.c.	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−9 °C	16 °F	[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−9 °C	16 °F	[5] The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Value	As written	Source
516 °C	961 °F (USCG, 1999)	[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
505 °C	505 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Pohanish, R.P. (ed). Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemical Carcinogens 6th Edition Volume 1: A-K,Volume 2: L-Z. William Andrew, Waltham, MA 2012, p. 1802
505 °Cshown	505 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Value	As written	Source
–	0.40 cP at 25 °C	[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 829
–shown	0.40 cP at 25 °C	[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Each value as its source reports it, with the source's number after it (listed under References). Where several sources report a property, the row shows the value most of them agree on, the rule the app uses; open the values to see every one.

Calculated

Heavy atoms: 5
Rings: 0
Aromatic rings: 0
Fraction sp³ carbons (Fsp3): 0.75
H-bond donors: 0
H-bond acceptors: 1
Rotatable bonds: 1
TPSA (Å²): 17.1
Formal charge: 0
XLogP3: 0.3 PubChem
Complexity: 38 PubChem
Stereocenters: None
Double-bond geometry: None specified
Point group: Cs of one 3D conformer with its hydrogens, by Athanor’s engine (as in the app)

Elemental analysis

C66.63%
H11.18%
O22.19%

Isotope pattern

Each peak is a nominal mass with its abundance-weighted exact mass, as a percentage of the tallest, from IUPAC natural isotope abundances.

Computed from the structure with RDKit 2026.09 when this page was built, beside PubChem's own computed values from its record; where the two differ, both are shown.

Predicted

log P: 0.99 Crippen (Wildman and Crippen 1999)
log S (water solubility): -0.84 ESOL (Delaney 2004), log mol/L
Synthetic accessibility: 1.85 SA score, 1 easy to 10 hard (Ertl and Schuffenhauer 2009)

Drug-likeness: Lipinski’s rule of five

Molecular weight ≤ 500: 72.11
log P ≤ 5 (Crippen): 0.99
H-bond donors ≤ 5: 0
H-bond acceptors ≤ 10: 1

Passes all four rules.

¹³C NMR shifts, predicted

Predictions, not measurements; each names its method. A measured log P, where a source reports one, is under Physical properties.

Safety

Danger

Harmonized EU classification (CLP Annex VI). Source [8].

Flammable
Harmful or irritant

NFPA 704[6]

H225Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
H319Causes serious eye irritation
H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness

Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264+P265, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P337+P317, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, P501

View all classifications (4)

[8] Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · DangerH225, H319, H336
[9] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (2 of 4539) of reports.
[9] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · 4,539 reports · DangerH336
[6] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · DangerH225, H319, H336

Exposure limits

PEL-TWA (8-Hour Time Weighted Average): 200 ppm (590 mg/m³)[4]
PEL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) See Appendix G[5]
REL-TWA (Time Weighted Average): 200 ppm (500 mg/m³)[4]
REL-STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit): 300 ppm (885 mg/m³)[4]
REL: TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) ST 300 ppm (885 mg/m3)[5]
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA; 300 ppm as STEL; BEI issued.[3]

First aid

Eyes: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. Immediately transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. Skin: Immediately flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing.[1]
General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped…[10]
General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped…[10]
(General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and wash the skin with water.[5]

Storage

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids. Cool. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.[3]
Methyl ethyl ketone must be stored to avoid contact with strong oxidizers (such as chlorine, bromine, and fluorine) since violent reactions may occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from sources of heat, sparks, or flame. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where methyl ethyl ketone is handled, used or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of diethyl ketone should be grounded and bonded.[6]

Incompatibilities

Reacts violently with strong oxidants and inorganic acids causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some plastic.[6]
Incompatible with chloroform, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, potassium t-butoxide, and 2-propanol.[6]
Forms exposive mixture with air. Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, amines, ammonia, inorganic acids. Caustics, isocyanates, pyridines. Incompatible with potassium teret-butoxide, 2-propanol, chlorosulfonice acid, oleum. Attacks some plastics.[6]
Strong oxidizers, amines, ammonia, inorganic acids, caustics, copper, isocyanates, pyridines.[6]

Safety data sheets on the supplier’s page: Thermo Fisher Scientific, EvitaChem, Biosynth.

Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet before working with it.

Spectra

Experimental spectra held by these sources; each link opens the source's own record.

Literature

Reading PubChem, OpenAlex and GSRS…

Bioactivity

Reading ChEMBL…

References

[1]CAMEO Chemicals · Public domain (NOAA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[2]EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) · Public domain (US EPA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[3]ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) · CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[4]Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) · Public domain (US DOL) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[5]The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) · Public domain (US CDC) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[6]Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · Public domain (US NLM) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[7]PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy · Public domain (US DOE) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[8]Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · EU reuse policy, CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[9]European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · ECHA legal notice: reuse with acknowledgement · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[10]Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) · Public domain (US DOT) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[11]NMRShiftDB · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[12]Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[13]SpectraBase · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[14]MassBank of North America (MoNA) · CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[15]NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
[16]MassBank Europe · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
·Calculated values: computed by Athanor with RDKit 2026.09 from the structure.
·Literature on PubChem

Data last updated 2026-10-14.