The main commercial route to MEK is the dehydrogenation of secondary butanol. Some companies employ sulphuric acid hydration of n-butene to make the secondary butanol.
The alcohol vapour is fed into a multi-tubular reactor containing zinc or copper oxides as catalysts. The reaction takes place at 400-500oC and pressures of less than 4 bar. Liquid phase technology is also employed in Europe using Raney nickel or copper chromate at 150oC. Hydrogen is flashed off and the condensate is dehydrated by fractionation. The MEK phase separates from the water-ketone azeotrope obtained and is distilled.
A newer technology involves the direct oxidation of n-butene in solution using palladium and cupric chlorides as catalysts. MEK can also be made as a by-product in butane-based acetic acid manufacture.
MEK could also become available as a byproduct from a new phenol process being developed by Shell. This process produces MEK and acetone as byproducts and there is the potential to change the acetone/MEK ratio within reasonable limits to meet varying market demands.
Process licensors of the butanol dehydrogenation route include ABB Lummus Global/Petroquisa, IFP (liquid phase) and Tessag-Edeleanu.
Methyl ethyl ketone
Price Reports
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Methyl ethyl ketone
Uses and Outlook
The main application for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is as a low-boiling solvent for nitrocellulose, acrylic and vinyl surface coatings. Over half of global MEK demand is derived from the paints and coatings industry. Its advantage is that low viscosity solutions can be obtained, having a high solids content, without affecting the film properties. These lacquers are used in the automotive, electrical goods and furniture industries.
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