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The toxicology of methyl ethyl ketone

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Residue Reviews

Part of the book series: Residue Reviews ((RECT,volume 97))

Abstract

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK; Other synonyms: 2-butanone; methyl acetone; ethyl methyl ketone; butanone) is a volatile, water-soluble, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor resembling that of acetone. Its odor threshold has been reported to be in the range of approximately 0.25 to 0.025 ppm (Krasavage et al. 1982, OHMTADS 1985). It is soluble in about four parts water (27.5%) but is less soluble at higher temperatures; it is miscible with acetone, alcohol, ether, and benzene. A constant boiling mixture with water, bp 73.4°C, contains 88.7% MEK. The melting and boiling points of MEK are -86.35 °C and 79.6°C, respectively; its vapor pressure at 20°C is 70.6 mm Hg. The specific gravity of MEK at 20°C/4°C is 0.805 and its vapor density is 2.41 (Air = 1). MEK is flammable and its flash point is 16°F or -9°C (Merck Index 1983, Toxicology Data Bank 1985).

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  1. National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, 27709, NC, USA

    Raymond S. H. Yang

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  1. Raymond S. H. Yang
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  1. Department of Entomology, University of California, 92521, Riverside, California, USA

    Francis A. Gunther

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Yang, R.S.H. (1986). The toxicology of methyl ethyl ketone. In: Gunther, F.A. (eds) Residue Reviews. Residue Reviews, vol 97. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4934-4_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4934-4_5

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