MEK

Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry

MEK
Stands forMethyl ethyl ketone
CategoriesScience & Engineering

MEK stands for Methyl ethyl ketone, a chemistry abbreviation.

Fast-evaporating solvent, also called butanone, CH3COCH2CH3, used in paints, adhesives, printing inks and as a cleaner for plastics and metal parts. It resembles acetone but evaporates more slowly and dissolves some resins better.

Example: Wipe the surface with MEK to remove grease before applying the epoxy primer.

Usage notes

MEK was once on the US list of hazardous air pollutants but was removed in 2005. It is highly flammable and irritating, so it should be used with ventilation and solvent-resistant gloves. The systematic IUPAC name is butan-2-one.

More chemistry abbreviations

  • LD50 – Lethal dose, 50%
  • LDPE – Low-density polyethylene
  • LUMO – Lowest unoccupied molecular orbital
  • M – Molar (moles per liter)
  • MALDI – Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
  • Me – Methyl group
  • MeOH – Methanol
  • MOF – Metal-organic framework
  • MS – Mass spectrometry
  • MSDS – Material safety data sheet
  • MSG – Monosodium glutamate
  • MTBE – Methyl tert-butyl ether

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.