ASTM D740-11(2019)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone,
Standard Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone<sup>,</sup>
ABSTRACT
This specification covers two types of methyl ethyl ketone (or 2-butanone), namely: Type I (regular grade) and Type II (urethane grade), that are used primarily as solvents in lacquers and industrial coatings, but also in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil dewaxing, and as chemical intermediates. The physical and chemical properties of methyl ethyl ketone shall conform to the requirements specified for the following: (1) acidity, (2) weight percentage of alcohol, (3) color (Pt-Co scale), (4) distillation range defined by the initial boiling point and dry point, (5) nonvolatile matter content, (6) purity, (7) apparent specific gravity, and (8) weight percentage of water. The sampling and test methods for determining conformance to the specified physical and chemical properties are given.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers two types of methyl ethyl ketone that are used primarily as solvents in lacquers and industrial coatings, but also in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil dewaxing, and as chemical intermediates.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: for purposes of determining conformance with this standard, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29.
1.4 For specific hazard information and guidance, see the supplier's Material Safety Data Sheet for materials listed in this specification.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2019
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.35 - Solvents, Plasticizers, and Chemical Intermediates
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2012
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Refers
ASTM D2804-02(2007) - Standard Test Method for Purity of Methyl Ethyl Ketone By Gas Chromatography - Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2006
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2005
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2005
Overview
ASTM D740-11(2019) is the internationally recognized standard specification developed by ASTM International for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), also known as 2-butanone. This specification defines requirements for two types of MEK: Type I (regular grade) and Type II (urethane grade), both widely employed as high-performance industrial solvents. The standard establishes quality benchmarks for MEK used in lacquers, industrial coatings, adhesives, printing inks, lubricating oil dewaxing, and as a chemical intermediate.
Emphasizing consistency, reliability, and safety, ASTM D740-11(2019) ensures that methyl ethyl ketone meets specific physical and chemical property requirements, enabling its use in numerous manufacturing and processing environments.
Key Topics
Grades Covered:
- Type I (Regular Grade): General-purpose solvent for coatings and adhesives
- Type II (Urethane Grade): Formulated for urethane coatings where low water and alcohol contents are critical
Physical and Chemical Properties:
- Acidity
- Alcohol content
- Color (Platinum-Cobalt scale)
- Distillation range (initial boiling point and dry point)
- Nonvolatile matter
- Purity
- Apparent specific gravity
- Water content
Testing and Quality Assurance:
- Use of referenced ASTM test methods for assessment of each property
- SI units required for all measurements
- Sampling procedures to ensure representative quality
Compliance and Packaging:
- Guidance for packaging and marking as per ASTM and relevant federal specifications
- Importance of supplier-provided Safety Data Sheets for hazard information
Applications
The ASTM D740-11(2019) standard plays a vital role in various industries by providing specifications that guarantee methyl ethyl ketone is fit for its end-use applications, such as:
- Industrial Coatings and Lacquers: MEK's fast evaporation rate and strong solvency make it ideal for high-quality finishes in automotive, furniture, and other industrial products.
- Adhesives and Sealants: Employed as a solvent and thinner in manufacturing robust, fast-drying adhesives.
- Printing Inks: Serves as a carrier to optimize drying times and ink performance for printing processes.
- Lubricating Oil Dewaxing: Utilized in processes that enhance the quality and pour point of lubricating oils.
- Chemical Intermediates: A starting material in the production of other chemicals, ensuring downstream purity and reliability.
- Urethane Coatings: Type II MEK is often specified for sensitive urethane systems requiring low water and alcohol content to avoid quality defects.
Related Standards
For complete conformance and reliable implementation, organizations using ASTM D740-11(2019) often reference additional related standards, including:
- ASTM D268: Guide for Sampling and Testing Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates
- ASTM D1078: Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Organic Liquids
- ASTM D1209 / D5386: Test Methods for Color of Clear Liquids
- ASTM D1353: Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Solvents
- ASTM D1364: Test Method for Water in Volatile Solvents (Karl Fischer Reagent Titration)
- ASTM D1613: Test Method for Acidity in Volatile Solvents
- ASTM D2804: Test Method for Purity of Methyl Ethyl Ketone by Gas Chromatography
- ASTM D4052: Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids
- ASTM E29 / E300: Practice for Using Significant Digits and Sampling Industrial Chemicals
By enforcing strict quality criteria, ASTM D740-11(2019) helps manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users maintain quality control, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across global supply chains when using methyl ethyl ketone in critical applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D740-11(2019) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone<sup>,</sup>". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers two types of methyl ethyl ketone (or 2-butanone), namely: Type I (regular grade) and Type II (urethane grade), that are used primarily as solvents in lacquers and industrial coatings, but also in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil dewaxing, and as chemical intermediates. The physical and chemical properties of methyl ethyl ketone shall conform to the requirements specified for the following: (1) acidity, (2) weight percentage of alcohol, (3) color (Pt-Co scale), (4) distillation range defined by the initial boiling point and dry point, (5) nonvolatile matter content, (6) purity, (7) apparent specific gravity, and (8) weight percentage of water. The sampling and test methods for determining conformance to the specified physical and chemical properties are given. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers two types of methyl ethyl ketone that are used primarily as solvents in lacquers and industrial coatings, but also in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil dewaxing, and as chemical intermediates. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: for purposes of determining conformance with this standard, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29. 1.4 For specific hazard information and guidance, see the supplier's Material Safety Data Sheet for materials listed in this specification. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers two types of methyl ethyl ketone (or 2-butanone), namely: Type I (regular grade) and Type II (urethane grade), that are used primarily as solvents in lacquers and industrial coatings, but also in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil dewaxing, and as chemical intermediates. The physical and chemical properties of methyl ethyl ketone shall conform to the requirements specified for the following: (1) acidity, (2) weight percentage of alcohol, (3) color (Pt-Co scale), (4) distillation range defined by the initial boiling point and dry point, (5) nonvolatile matter content, (6) purity, (7) apparent specific gravity, and (8) weight percentage of water. The sampling and test methods for determining conformance to the specified physical and chemical properties are given. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers two types of methyl ethyl ketone that are used primarily as solvents in lacquers and industrial coatings, but also in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil dewaxing, and as chemical intermediates. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this standard: for purposes of determining conformance with this standard, an observed value or a calculated value shall be rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding-off method of Practice E29. 1.4 For specific hazard information and guidance, see the supplier's Material Safety Data Sheet for materials listed in this specification. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D740-11(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.080.80 - Aldehydes and ketones; 87.060.30 - Solvents. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D740-11(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D740-11, ASTM D1613-06(2012), ASTM D1078-11, ASTM D5386-10, ASTM D1353-09, ASTM E29-08, ASTM D1364-02(2007), ASTM D2804-02(2007), ASTM D268-01(2007), ASTM E29-06b, ASTM E29-06a, ASTM E29-06, ASTM D1613-06, ASTM D5386-05, ASTM D1209-05. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D740-11(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D740 −11 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
1,2
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D740; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D1209 Test Method for Color of Clear Liquids (Platinum-
Cobalt Scale)
1.1 This specification covers two types of methyl ethyl
D1353 Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Sol-
ketone that are used primarily as solvents in lacquers and
vents for Use in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
industrial coatings, but also in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil
Products
dewaxing, and as chemical intermediates.
D1364 Test Method for Water in Volatile Solvents (Karl
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Fischer Reagent Titration Method)
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
D1613 Test Method for Acidity in Volatile Solvents and
standard.
Chemical Intermediates Used in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer,
and Related Products
1.3 The following applies to all specified limits in this
standard: for purposes of determining conformance with this D2804 Test Method for Purity of Methyl Ethyl Ketone By
Gas Chromatography
standard, an observed value or a calculated value shall be
rounded off “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
used in expressing the specification limit, in accordance with
the rounding-off method of Practice E29. D5386 Test Method for Color of Liquids Using Tristimulus
Colorimetry
1.4 For specific hazard information and guidance, see the
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
supplier’sMaterialSafetyDataSheetformaterialslistedinthis
Determine Conformance with Specifications
specification.
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.2 U.S. Federal Specification:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
PPP-C-2020 Chemicals, Liquid, Dry, and Paste: Packaging
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3. Classification
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1 Methyl ethyl ketone shall be of the following types, as
2. Referenced Documents specified:
3 3.1.1 Type I—Regular, and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.2 Type II—Urethane grade. This type may be suited for
D268 Guide for Sampling and Testing Volatile Solvents and
use in urethane coatings, provided that the water content and
Chemical Intermediates for Use in Paint and Related
alcohol content are acceptable.
Coatings and Material
D1078 Test Method for Distillation Range of Volatile Or-
4. Properties
ganic Liquids
4.1 The physical and chemical properties of methyl ethyl
ketone shall conform to the requirements specified in Table 1.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
5. Sampling
Subcommittee D01.35 on Solvents, Plasticizers, and Chemical Intermediates.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
5.1 The material shall be sampled in accordance with
approved in 1943. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D740 – 11. DOI:
Practice E300.
10.1520/D0740-11R19.
Also known as butanone and 2-butanone.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.o
...
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