What is ethyl methyl ketoxime?

Methyl ethyl ketoxime (MEKO) is a high-efficiency anti-skinning agent used for air-drying paints, inks and coatings. It is also used to improve the shelf life of silicone adhesives and sealants, and the functionality of polyurethane coatings.

Is methyl ethyl ketoxime toxic?

MEKO is moderately toxic in the unlikely event of ingestion. Ingesting or breathing high concentrations may cause harmful, but reversible, effects on the blood (anemia) and inhalation can irritate nasal passages.

What happens if you get MEK on your skin?

* Methyl Ethyl Ketone can irritate the skin causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. Repeated exposure can cause drying and cracking of the skin. * Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes, leading to permanent damage.

Is methyl ethyl ketone banned in the UK?

MEK is a popular chemical solvent used across several industries including ink, varnishes, and paint, but has MEK been banned? The answer is no.

How is oxime formed?

Preparation of Oximes

  1. When an aldehyde or ketone reacts with hydroxylamine (NH2OH) in a weakly acidic medium, it produces oxime and eliminates water molecules.
  2. Acetaldehyde reacts with hydroxylamine formed Acetaldoxime and water.
  3. Acetone reacts with hydroxylamine formed Acetoxime and water.

Is MEK banned in USA?

The answer is no. MEK, while it can be hazardous when not used properly, is not considered to present a considerable enough threat to the user or the environment for the EPA to ban the use of this chemical.

Is MEK a carcinogen?

EPA has classified methyl ethyl ketone as a Group D, not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.

Do you need a respirator for MEK?

A disposable mask cannot be used with MEK. It must be a full facepiece reusable respirator with organic vapor chemical cartridges up to 3000 PPM. Anything over 3000 ppm work site concentration would be supplied air only.

How do you use MEK safely?

MEK should be handled in well-ventilated areas, while following proper safety standards and wearing appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) that covers any exposed skin. Chemical resistant gloves, chemical splash goggles, and face protection are recommended when handling the liquid.

Can MEK cause liver damage?

MEKP causes severe corrosive injury to the upper gastrointestinal tract, as well as liver necrosis.

Will MEK dissolve plastic?

MEK is used as an effective plastic welding agent. It can dissolve many plastics, including polystyrene, and can bind plastics together. MEK works as a welding agent by dissolving the surface where it is applied and then evaporating – acting as more of a chemical welding agent.

What are the effects of methyl ethyl ketoxime on human beings?

The results of a chronic inhalation study of methyl ethyl ketoxime have been reported (Anonymous, 1994). Male and female F344 rats were exposed to 0, 15, 75, or 375 ppm methyl ethyl ketoxime, 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for approximately 26 months. The chemical produced liver neoplasms in the 75 ppm male group. Humans

How do you make methyl ethyl ketoxime?

Methyl ethyl ketoxime is synthesized by condensation of methyl ethyl ketone with a hydroxylamine salt in the presence of a base (Karabatsus and Taller, 1968). Methyl ethyl ketoxime is used primarily as an antiskinning agent in alkyd coating resins to prevent formation of a solid or gelatinous skin in the container (

What is the boiling point of ethyl ketoxime?

ROPERTIES Methyl ethyl ketoxime is a colorless liquid with a molecular weight of 87.12 and a boiling point of 152C E (Verschueren, 1983). It is combustible with a flash point of 24 C and a vapor pressure of 1.06 mm Hg aE t 20E C, 7.6 mm Hg at 50E C, and 60.5 mm Hg at 89E C (Kurita, 1967).

Is methyl ethyl ketoxime an aliphatic oxime?

Methyl ethyl ketoxime was selected by the NTP as a representative aliphatic oxime for toxicity testing in 14-day and 13-week drinking water studies in F344/N rats and B6C3F 1 mice. The methyl ethyl ketoxime study was performed in parallel with that of the alicyclic oxime, cyclohexanone oxime (NTP, 1996).