Reference data from EU CLP Annex VI and published regulations — verify against your supplier's SDS before use.
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Safety data sheet reference · CAS 78-93-3

Methyl ethyl ketone SDS

also: methyl ethyl ketone MSDS · safety data sheet · CAS 78-93-3 · EC 201-159-0 · MEK · butanone · 2-butanone

Danger · Flam. Liq. 2 STOT SE 3 · Eye Irrit. 2 UN 1193 · ADR 3 · PG II
Flame GHS02 Exclamation Mark GHS07

Official PDF from supplier

This page is a reference, not the legal document.

CAS number

78-93-3

EC number

201-159-0

CLP Annex VI index

606-002-00-3

Molecular formula

C4H8O

Molar mass

72.11 g/mol

§ 02 · Hazards identification

Harmonised EU classification

CLP Annex VI · Index 606-002-00-3. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.

H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour. Flammable liquid — Category 2 (Flam. Liq. 2)
H319 Causes serious eye irritation. Eye irritation — Category 2 (Eye Irrit. 2)
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Narcotic effects — STOT SE 3

Precautionary statements

P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P241 Use explosion-proof equipment.
P242 Use non-sparking tools.
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P305 IF IN EYES: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
P313 Get medical advice/attention.
P337 If eye irritation persists: get medical advice/attention.
P338 Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.

§ 07 · Handling and storage

Computed storage verdict

§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties

Measured properties

Fire-relevant values first — flash point and explosion limits decide the storage and ventilation regime.

Flash point

-3.3 °C

Explosion limits

1.8 – 10 %

LEL / UEL in air, vol.

Autoignition

516.1 °C

Melting point -86.3 °C
Boiling point 79.6 °C
Relative density (water = 1) 0.806

Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.

§ 10 · Stability and reactivity

Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Ketones. Our database documents 9 incompatible and 15 caution reaction-partner groups for methyl ethyl ketone — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →

9

Incompatible

15

Caution

§ 13 · Disposal considerations

Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.

§ 14 · Transport information

Road transport — ADR 2025

UN number

UN 1193

Proper shipping name

ETHYL METHYL KETONE (METHYL ETHYL KETONE)

Class · PG

3 · II

Classification code

F1

Transport category

2

ADR labels

3

Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate

33
1193

Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.

Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.

MSDS vs SDS

MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "methyl ethyl ketone MSDS" and a "methyl ethyl ketone SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →

Other flammable liquids in our database

Compliance hub

From classification to SDS

The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →

GHS label maker

Build the label for methyl ethyl ketone

Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →

§ 16 · Sources

Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-07-27.

Frequently asked questions

Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?

In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "methyl ethyl ketone MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.

What GHS pictograms does methyl ethyl ketone require?

Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), methyl ethyl ketone carries GHS02 and GHS07 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H225, H336, H319. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.

What should methyl ethyl ketone never be stored with?

Based on its storage class (Flammable liquids), methyl ethyl ketone must not share storage with: Organic peroxides & self-reactives; Oxidizing acids; Oxidizers. Verify against the supplier's SDS sections 7 and 10 before finalising storage.

Where can I download an official methyl ethyl ketone SDS PDF?

From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.

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