Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone (also known as MIBK, methyl isobutyl ketone, and mono-iso butyl ketone) is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic ketone odour. It has the chemical formula C6H12Oand is slightly soluble in water and is miscible with most organic solvents.It has high solvency power and is slightly soluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents. Its characteristic features include low viscosity, viscosity reducer, high dilution ratio for hydrocarbon solvents, prevents gelling in vinyl resin-based coatings, and has ketone volume-to weight advantage over other coatings and solvents.It has great stability under ordinary conditions of use and storage but may form explosive peroxides in air. When heated to decomposition, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide may form. It is incompatible with aldehydes, perchloric acid, nitric acid, and strong oxidizers. There is no occurrence of hazardous polymerization. It reacts violently with potassium-tert-butoxide. Heat, ignition sources, air, flame, and incompatibles are the conditions that must be avoided.
Production
There are two main routes for MIBK production. In the first, MIBK is produced from isopropanol in a mixed ketones process. Di isobutyl ketone (DIBK) and acetone are co-products of this process. In the second, MIBK is produced from acetone with hydrogen by a 3 step process of aldol condensation, dehydration, and hydrogenation.At present, the global production capacity for MIBK stands at 370,000 tonnes per year.
Storage and Distribution
MIBK is stored in drums and/or in bulk tanks and is transported by tank trucks. It has a specific gravity of 0.802 and a low flash point of 16 C (closed cup) which makes it highly flammable. It should, therefore, be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area that is free from the risk of ignition. For transportation purposes, MIBK is classified as packing group II, hazard class 3, and is an irritant.Electrical classification requirements should be satisfied by having properly rated, grounded, and installed storage and handling equipment. Accumulation of static electricity might probably occur and a fire hazard will be created. During filling and emptying operations, ensure that all containers like drums, cylinders, and IBCs are bonded and grounded. They should be stored away from oxidizers and reactive materials.
Uses
MIBK is an excellent solvent and 64 % of the total global MIBK produced is consumed in this way. It is primarily used as a solvent in cellulose-based and resin-based coatings and adhesives. It is also an extraction solvent for antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, and is employed in rare-metal extraction as a solvent for metal separation. Traffic paints, automotive coatings, industrial maintenance coatings and marine coatings, textile coatings, leather finishes, nitrocellulose lacquers, acrylic and vinyl-acrylic resins for adhesives use
Methyl Iso Butyl Ketone as solvent.
MIBK is also a chemical intermediate that is used to produce target molecules such as rubber antiozonants (used in the production of tyres) and acetylenicdiol compounds.
