Methyl ethyl ketone, also known as MEK and 2-butanone, is a nonpolar, organic solvent traditionally utilized as a plastic welding agent and in the manufacturing of various materials, including:  

• Plastics  
• Synthetic rubbers 
• Resins 
• Textiles 
• Paraffin wax  
• Gums  
• Adhesives  
• Certain household products, such as paint removers and varnishes 

MEK is considered to be a highly effective solvent due to its strong performance and high boiling point. Though an effective solvent, consistent use of MEK comes with multiple risks, particularly affecting workers who are exposed to the hazardous qualities of the chemical. The solvent also carries potential environmental risks, such as being able to potentially react with volatile organic substances in the atmosphere to form photochemical smog. 

Some specifically associated health hazards include:  

• Serious eye irritant 
• Skin irritant 
• High toxicity 
• Respiratory irritant  

Where Can I Find MEK?   

MEK is typically sold industrially by chemical companies and may even be sold at home improvement stores, but due to the serious associated health and environmental risks, many companies have begun to seek out eco-friendly, worker-friendly, and cost-efficient substitutes for the product. The increase in demand for these alternative products has enabled greener alternatives to be much more accessible to companies seeking them out.   

What Is a Good Replacement for MEK?  

An ideal replacement for MEK would be a product like Preptone, which is a fast-evaporating solvent system utilizing terpene solvent technology. The solvent consists of a blend of acetone-based high-purity d-limonene. Preptone is meant to replace solvents like TCE and MEK, because of its fast evaporation quality. The utilization of terpenes over ketone solvents allows for more effective performance. 

Some of the benefits of using Preptone over ketone solvents include:  

• Strong non-polar solvency, allowing for the dissolution of sealants or waxes 
• Ultra-clean evaporation 
• Ideal for pre-paint preparation and cleaning 
• Quick evaporation 
• Low VOC 
• Suitable for aerospace applications, with a vapor pressure below the limit for aerospace uses 
• No halogenated compounds or HAPs 
• Compatible with all metals and certain plastics   

Want to Know if Preptone Is Right for Your Business? 

At Ecolink, we are here to help you find the best eco-friendly and worker-friendly products for your industrial needs. Reach out to us today to learn if Preptone is right for your business needs!