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Methyl Isobutyl Ketone

Premium Solvent for Coatings, Lacquers & Extractions

  • CAS 108-10-1
  • Formula C₆H₁₂O
  • Flash Pt 14 °C
  • Density 0.802 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 116-117 °C °C
Flash point 14 °C °C
Density 0.802 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Slightly soluble in water (1.9 g/100 mL at 20°C) -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight 100.16 g/mol g/mol
Melting point -84.7 °C °C
Vapor pressure 20 hPa at 20 °C mmHg
Autoignition temp 460 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Acetone-like odor -
Vapor density 3.45 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is a versatile organic solvent with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O and CAS number 108-10-1. This clear, colorless liquid with an acetone-like odor serves as an essential chemical intermediate and extraction solvent across multiple industries. With its excellent solvency properties and moderate volatility, MIBK provides superior performance in coating formulations, chemical processing, and specialty applications.

Key Applications

MIBK excels as a solvent for nitrocellulose, lacquers, and paints, offering excellent dissolving power and controlled evaporation rates that enhance coating quality and application properties. Its balanced volatility makes it ideal for formulating high-performance industrial coatings and automotive finishes.

In chemical processing, MIBK functions as a highly effective extraction solvent for separating and purifying various compounds. Its selective solvency properties make it particularly valuable in pharmaceutical manufacturing, metal recovery processes, and specialty chemical production.

The chemical also serves as a resin solvent and alcohol denaturant, supporting applications in adhesives, sealants, and industrial alcohol formulations where controlled solvency and regulatory compliance are critical.

Safety & Handling

MIBK requires careful handling due to its low flash point of 14°C and flammable nature. Work areas must maintain proper ventilation and eliminate ignition sources. Personnel should wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory protection when handling this material. The autoignition temperature of 460°C provides guidance for hot work procedures and equipment specifications.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store MIBK in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and incompatible materials. Use only approved containers designed for flammable liquids, and maintain storage temperatures below 25°C for optimal stability. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases which may cause dangerous reactions.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Mibk from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight for bulk orders. Every shipment includes current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and what is it used for?
Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK, CAS 108-10-1, C6H12O) is a colorless, volatile ketone solvent used widely as a solvent and chemical intermediate. Typical uses include coatings and paints, adhesives, printing inks, extraction processes, and laboratory reagent applications.
How should MIBK be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store MIBK in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources, in tightly closed, labelled containers and away from strong oxidizers. When stored under proper conditions in original packaging, typical shelf life is 12–36 months depending on grade and manufacturer—refer to the supplier’s Certificate of Analysis (COA) for specific shelf-life guidance.
What safety precautions are recommended when handling MIBK?
MIBK is a flammable, irritant solvent; use in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods, avoid ignition sources, and employ appropriate PPE (chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and protective clothing). Implement grounding/bonding for transfers, use explosion-proof equipment, and consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for spill, first-aid and fire-fighting procedures.
How do different concentrations or grades of MIBK differ and when should I use each?
MIBK is supplied in grades from technical (industrial) to high-purity or HPLC/reagent grades (>99%); technical grades are suitable for coatings and general solvent use, while high-purity grades are used where impurities affect reactions or analyses. Select grade based on application requirements, impurity tolerance and cost—ask suppliers for COA and impurity profiles for comparisons.
What documentation is available when purchasing MIBK?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and, on request, sample test reports or regulatory compliance documentation. Always review the SDS for hazard, handling and emergency information before using the product.
How is MIBK shipped and what packaging options are common?
MIBK is classified as a flammable liquid and must be shipped per applicable DOT/IMDG/IATA regulations using approved packaging; common options include steel drums, UN-certified intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and tank trucks for bulk deliveries. Verify packing group, UN number and transport requirements with the supplier and carrier for your destination.
What materials are compatible or incompatible with MIBK?
MIBK is compatible with metals such as stainless steel and carbon steel and with glass and PTFE; it can attack or swell some rubbers, natural rubber, certain plastics (e.g., polystyrene, some elastomers) and coated surfaces. Always test elastomers, seals and paints for compatibility and consult manufacturer recommendations for long-term exposure.
What are the key technical specifications for MIBK I should check?
Key specifications include CAS number (108-10-1), molecular formula (C6H12O), molecular weight (~100.16 g/mol), purity (%), density, boiling point, water content and impurity profile (e.g., acetone, MEK). Request the supplier’s COA and TDS for exact values and acceptance criteria for your application.
Which industries and applications commonly use MIBK?
Industries using MIBK include coatings/paints, adhesives, printing inks, metalworking, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and mining (solvent extraction), as well as laboratory research and analytical chemistry. Its role is primarily as a medium-polarity solvent for resins, extraction processes and formulation work.
How can I purchase MIBK and what availability and lead times should I expect?
MIBK is widely available from chemical distributors and manufacturers in quantities from sample bottles to drums, IBCs and bulk tanker loads; lead times vary by quantity, grade and region but many suppliers offer immediate stock for standard grades. Contact suppliers for quotes, minimum order quantities, documentation requirements and any local regulatory or transport restrictions.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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