- What it is. Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK, 4-methyl-2-pentanone) is a clear, colorless ketone solvent with a sweet odor, supplied as ACS reagent grade in a 1-gallon size. It is used for extraction, analytical work, and dissolving resins and coatings.
- What ACS grade guarantees. ACS reagent MIBK assays at a minimum of 98.5% by gas chromatography, with limits of 0.1% water, 0.005% residue after evaporation, 0.002 meq/g titratable acid, and 15 APHA color. These limits make it suitable for analytical extraction and sample preparation.
- Chemical identity. MIBK (CAS 108-10-1, C6H12O, 100.16 g/mol) is a medium-polarity ketone. It boils at about 116-118 °C, freezes near -84 °C, and has a density of about 0.80 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
- Limited water solubility. Unlike acetone, MIBK dissolves only about 19 g/L in water. That partial immiscibility is what makes it useful for liquid-liquid extraction: it forms a separate layer from aqueous samples while dissolving many organic and metal-complex species.
- Metal extraction for AAS. A classic analytical use is extracting metal complexes, such as those formed with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, from water into MIBK before atomic absorption analysis. The extraction concentrates trace metals and removes matrix interferences, improving detection limits.
- Developer and process solvent. In microfabrication, MIBK and isopropyl alcohol mixtures are used as developers for PMMA electron-beam resist, where the ratio controls contrast and sensitivity. Electronic and process labs value MIBK's consistent evaporation rate and solvency.
- Industrial solvent uses. MIBK dissolves nitrocellulose, vinyl and acrylic resins, gums, and many coatings, so it is used in paints, lacquers, adhesives, and inks. It also serves as a dewaxing and extraction solvent and in mineral processing.
- Flammability. MIBK is highly flammable, with a flash point of about 14 °C and explosion limits of about 1.2 to 8.0% in air. Its vapor is heavier than air and can travel to ignition sources.
- Handling at a glance. Use MIBK in a fume hood or well-ventilated area, away from heat and sparks, and wear safety glasses and solvent-resistant gloves. Vapors can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and, at high concentrations, cause headache or dizziness.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name | 4-Methyl-2-pentanone |
| CAS Number | 108-10-1 |
| EC Number | 203-550-1 |
| Synonyms | Methyl isobutyl ketone, MIBK, MIK, isobutyl methyl ketone, hexone, isopropylacetone |
| Formula | (CH3)2CHCH2COCH3 (C6H12O) |
| Molecular Weight | 100.16 g/mol |
| Grade | ACS reagent |
| Assay (GC) | 98.5% min |
| Water | 0.1% max |
| Residue after Evaporation | 0.005% max |
| Titrable Acid | 0.002 meq/g max |
| Color (APHA) | 15 max |
| Density | About 0.80 g/cm³ (20 °C) |
| Boiling Point | About 116 to 118 °C |
| Melting Point | About -84 °C |
| Flash Point | About 14 °C |
| Explosion Limits | About 1.2 to 8.0% in air |
| Ignition Temperature | About 460 °C |
| Water Solubility | About 18 to 20 g/L (20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | About 1.396 (20 °C) |
| DOT | UN1245, Methyl isobutyl ketone, Class 3, PG II |
| Exposure Limits | OSHA PEL 100 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 50 ppm TWA, 75 ppm STEL |
| Package Size | 1 gallon |
Applications / Common Uses
- Trace-metal extraction: Concentrates metal complexes before AAS.
- Liquid-liquid extraction: Separates organics from aqueous samples.
- Resin and coating solvent: Dissolves nitrocellulose, vinyl, and acrylic resins.
- Dewaxing: Removes waxes in petroleum and materials processing.
- Analytical sample preparation: Dissolves and dilutes samples for analysis.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: MIBK is highly flammable (flash point about 14 °C). Its vapor can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and cause headache or dizziness. Use in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources, and wear safety glasses and solvent-resistant gloves.
Store tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated flammables cabinet away from heat, sparks, open flames, and oxidizers. Ground and bond containers when transferring larger volumes, and keep a Class B fire extinguisher nearby.
- Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, and reducing agents.
- Exposure limits: OSHA PEL 100 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 50 ppm TWA, 75 ppm STEL.
- Spill response: Remove ignition sources, ventilate, and absorb with non-combustible material.
- First aid: Inhalation: move to fresh air. Eyes: rinse with water for several minutes. Skin: wash with soap and water.
Related Categories & Services
- Shop Solvents for related products in this category.
- Explore ACS Grade Laboratory Chemicals and Organic Compounds.
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Program: Lab Pro can stock, track, and replenish this item on site so it never runs out. Contact info@labproinc.com or 888-452-2776 to set up a VMI assessment.
