Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
A medium-boiling, balanced ketone solvent with strong resin solvency and a measured evaporation rate, valued equally as a coating diluent and a selective extraction medium.
Product photo plus packaging, storage and loading conditions at our Dongguan facility.
At a Glance
| CAS No. | 108-10-1 |
| Chemical Name | Methyl isobutyl ketone (4-methyl-2-pentanone, hexone, isopropylacetone, MIBK) |
| Molecular Formula | C6H12O |
| Purity | ≥99.5% |
| Origin | China |
| Packaging | 210 L steel drum (165 kg) / IBC / ISO tank container / small drum |
| Lead Time | About 60 working days after deposit |
Product Overview
MIBK — also called 4-methyl-2-pentanone — is made by a three-step acetone hydrogenation and condensation route and purified by multi-stage vacuum distillation that removes light and heavy fractions. Water content, free acetone and high boilers are tightly controlled, so evaporation rate and solvency stay uniform from batch to batch. A neutral ketone solvent with broad solubility for acrylic, nitrocellulose, epoxy and rubber resins, it evaporates at a measured middle pace that gives spraying enough levelling time and markedly cuts orange peel, pinholes and blushing. Its oil–water partition behaviour also makes it a preferred selective extraction medium for industrial purification.
Demand for MIBK is driven by high-solids automotive and coil anti-corrosion coatings, with steady growth in lube oil refining, pharmaceutical APIs and hydrometallurgical extraction. As VOC controls tighten and ordinary fast-drying aromatics are restricted, MIBK's mild odour and distillery-recoverable spent solvent give it a clear long-term cost advantage. It is stable in sealed storage at ambient temperature and only needs segregation from strong acids and oxidisers, so a standard explosion-proof, ventilated warehouse is enough for long-term storage.
Key Advantages
Measured, Balanced Evaporation for Premium Finishes
Evaporation sits between fast acetone and slow cyclohexanone: enough levelling time for spraying, a full-gloss film, and no sagging, blushing or pinholes.
Broad Resin Solvency That Simplifies Formulations
One solvent dissolves nitrocellulose, acrylic, epoxy and neoprene rubber resins, cutting the need for multi-additive blends and lowering formulation development cost.
Selective Extraction Power with High Recovery
Excellent oil–water separation makes it highly efficient in lube oil dewaxing and in pharmaceutical or metal extraction, removing impurities thoroughly and easing downstream refining.
Low Odour, Easy Recovery, Friendlier on the Shop Floor
Much less irritating than toluene, and spent solvent can be recycled by simple distillation, reducing hazardous waste disposal costs.
Applications
MIBK covers six distinct industrial segments: premium automotive baking coatings, printing inks, synthetic adhesives, pharmaceutical purification, lube oil dewaxing and rare metal extraction.
- Premium automotive baking coatings — a dedicated dilution solvent for OEM body paints, refinish paints and metal coil anti-corrosion coatings that improves flow-out and outdoor durability.
- Gravure and screen printing inks — a carrier for plastic and metal packaging inks that keeps pigments well dispersed and prints cleanly at high speed with no screen blocking or colour drag.
- Rubber and polyurethane adhesives — a dilution medium for neoprene and PU laminating adhesives that adjusts open time and gives firm bonding without hazing.
- Pharmaceutical API extraction — a separation and purification solvent for antibiotics and plant actives, mild enough not to damage the active components.
Technical Specifications
| Appearance | Colourless transparent liquid with a pleasant ketone odour |
| Purity | ≥99.5% |
| Molecular Formula | C6H12O |
| CAS No. | 108-10-1 |
| EINECS No. | 203-550-1 |
| Relative Density (water = 1) | 0.80 (at 25 °C) |
| Flash Point | 16 °C (TCC); 23.9 °C (OC); 23 °C (CC) |
| Boiling Point | 115.8 °C |
| Hazard Classification | Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Stability | Stable when sealed at ambient temperature; avoid prolonged contact with strong alkalis and strong oxidisers |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; miscible with alcohols, esters, aromatics and oils |
| Storage | Store in a cool, explosion-proof hazardous goods warehouse at ≤37 °C with containers sealed throughout. Keep separate from acids, alkalis and oxidisers, with spark-free tools and sand or absorbent spill containment available. |
Composition
| Component | Concentration | CAS No. |
|---|---|---|
| Methyl isobutyl ketone | ≥99.5% | 108-10-1 |
Transport & Compliance
| UN No. | UN1245 |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 flammable liquid |
| Packing Group | II |
| HS Code | 2914130000 |
| Packaging | 165 kg per drum (210 L steel drum) |
UN and HS codes are shown for reference only — please confirm with us before shipment.
FAQ
What is your minimum order quantity?
Our MOQ is one 20GP container — up to 80 drums of 210 L.
What packaging do you offer?
Standard 210 L steel drums, plus IBC totes, ISO tank containers and small drums.
How many drums fit in a 20GP or 40GP, and can you consolidate?
Yes, we consolidate up to 5 product types in one shipment. A 20GP holds up to 80 drums (210 L); a 40GP holds around 130 drums (210 L).
What is the lead time?
About 60 working days after the deposit is received.
Which export documents do you provide?
COA, MSDS, commodity inspection certificate and dangerous goods packaging certificate. We can also assist with Certificate of Origin and other customs paperwork.
What payment terms do you accept?
T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading.
Technical Documents
MSDS and batch COA for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) are available on request. Tell us your quantity and destination port and we will send the documents with your quotation. Request documents →
Request a Quote for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)
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