Methyl isobutyl ketone

     Methyl isobutyl ketone, also known as 4-methyl-2-pentanone, abbreviated as MIBK, is widely used as a solvent in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This product is a colorless transparent liquid with a camphor-like odor, m.p. -80°C, b.p. 117–118°C, n20D 1.3960, relative density 0.801, f.p. 56°F (13°C). It is almost insoluble in water but can form an azeotrope with water, boiling at 87.9°C, containing 24.3% water and 75.7% ketone. It is miscible with organic solvents such as phenols, aldehydes, ethers, and benzene. It is used as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals and dyes, a solvent for resins and gums, an extractant for certain inorganic salts, and in organic synthesis. It serves as a standard substance for chromatographic analysis, a solvent and extractant, a dewaxing agent for lubricating oils, and a flavoring agent. It is primarily used to formulate rum, cheese, and fruit-type flavors. This product is an excellent medium-boiling solvent and is used as a beneficiation agent and a solvent for oil dewaxing.