Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone / MEK, CAS 78-93-3, molecular formula C₄H₈O, MW 72.11) is a versatile organic solvent used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, coating applications, adhesive formulation, and chemical synthesis. China’s MEK production capacity exceeds 800,000 metric tons annually from dehydrogenation of 2-butanol and oxidation of n-butane at petrochemical facilities in Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Guangdong provinces. This massive capacity supports manufacturer-direct supply of technical, reagent, and high-purity grades at globally competitive pricing.
In pharmaceutical contexts, MEK serves as a process solvent for API synthesis, a coating solvent for enteric and sustained-release film coatings, and an extraction solvent. Its moderate boiling point (79.6 °C), excellent solvating power for resins and polymers, and fast evaporation rate make it preferred over slower-evaporating solvents in coating applications. Chinese MEK producers deliver high-purity material (≥99.5%) through fractional distillation with precise impurity control.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and OHSAS 18001 certifications. Quality testing includes assay (GC), water content (Karl Fischer), acidity (as acetic acid), color (APHA), non-volatile matter, and specific gravity. High-purity grades meet ACS reagent, HPLC solvent, and ICH Q3C pharmaceutical solvent specifications.
Manufacturing involves catalytic dehydrogenation of sec-butanol or liquid-phase oxidation of n-butane, followed by multi-column distillation for impurity removal. In-line GC monitoring ensures real-time purity verification. Products are stored in dedicated stainless steel tanks with nitrogen blanketing to prevent moisture absorption and oxidation. Each batch is fully characterized before release.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 78-93-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 72.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Purity (GC) | ≥99.5% |
| Boiling Point | 79.6 °C |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.804–0.806 g/mL |
| Water Content | ≤0.1% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Acidity (as CH₃COOH) | ≤0.003% |
Packaging & Export Logistics
MEK is supplied in 165 kg steel drums, 1,000 kg IBC totes, or ISO tank containers for bulk orders. All containers meet UN transport requirements for Class 3 flammable liquids (UN 1193). Lead time is 5–10 business days. FOB from Shanghai, Ningbo, or Qingdao; CIF and DDP terms available.
Hazardous goods documentation including DGD, MSDS, and UN packaging certificates is prepared by certified dangerous goods professionals. Flash point labeling and transport classification comply with IMDG Code requirements.
China Supply Advantage
China’s large-scale petrochemical industry delivers MEK at 20–35% below Western manufacturer pricing through economies of scale and competitive feedstock costs. Integrated production from C4 hydrocarbon streams ensures reliable supply. Chinese MEK producers export to pharmaceutical, coating, adhesive, and chemical companies worldwide with proven quality consistency and professional hazardous goods logistics management.