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Chemically the difference is 1 carbon and 2 hydrogen atoms.

Acetone ==> CH3-CHO-CH3

MEK (Butanone) ==> CH3-CHO-CH2-CH3

Their properties are therefore very similar because of this.

MEK

HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Acetone

HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Acetone also happens to be much cheaper.

As for uses, since acetone evaporates quicker it is often used as a paint thinner as it will not prolong the drying time as much as MEK would. Acetone is also a better solvent because looking at the structure of the molecule it has a more medium polarity than MEK, and thus dissolves a wider range of compounds.

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11y ago
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4mo ago

Acetone, also known as propanone, is a colorless liquid solvent with a sweet smell, commonly used in nail polish remover and paint thinners. Methyl ethyl ketone, also known as butanone, is another colorless liquid solvent with a fruity odor, often used in industrial applications like paints, adhesives, and coatings. The main difference between the two is their chemical structure, with acetone being a ketone and methyl ethyl ketone being a type of ketone called a methyl ketone.

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Q: What is the difference between acetone and methyl ethyl ketone?
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Related questions

What makes acetone?

Common synonyms Acetone, 2-propanone, methyl ketone, dimethyl ketone Formula (CH3)2C=O


Acetone contains which functional group?

Acetone contains a carbonyl functional group, specifically a ketone group. This is characterized by a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen atom within the acetone molecule.


Is methyl hydrate the same as acetone?

Yes, methyl hydrate is another name for methanol, while acetone is a different chemical compound. Methanol is a type of alcohol with the chemical formula CH3OH, while acetone has the chemical formula (CH3)2CO and is a type of ketone.


What helps nail polish to come off?

any methyl ketone!! but usually you just use acetone, which you can buy at walmart for $1 or $2


Is ethyl methyl ketone covalent bonded?

The bonds in ethyl methyl ketone are covalent.


Using the handbook of chemical data find the boiling point at 1 ATM for the following substances acetone methyl ethyl ketone methanol ethanol reference?

Acetone: Boiling point at 1 ATM = 56.05°C Methyl Ethyl Ketone: Boiling point at 1 ATM = 79.64°C Methanol: Boiling point at 1 ATM = 64.7°C Ethanol: Boiling point at 1 ATM = 78.37°C


What is the name Ketone with 6 carbons?

methyl ethyl ketone


Why is that another solvent can be used instead of ethanol?

Depends on what you are trying to dissolve. Some other industrial solvents include isopropyl alcohol, methanol, toluene, acetone and methyl ethyl ketone.


Is Methyl Ethyl Ketone volatile?

yes


Isomer of ketone with formula C5H10O?

One isomer of a ketone with the formula C5H10O is 2-pentanone, also known as methyl propyl ketone.


What solvent can be used to dissolve plastic baked on to a glass fronted gas fire?

Try Acetone or Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Take care with these as they are highly flamable and the fumes fromthem are harmfull when in haled.


What does Butanone smell like?

Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone, has a sweet acetone-like smell. It is often described as having a sharp, pungent odor similar to nail polish remover.