PRODUCT PROFILE Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) is a colorless liquid with an odor similar to mothballs. MIBK is also known as 4 methyl 2 pentanone, hexone and isopropylacetone. While it is usually in liquid form, MIBK can change into a gas. MIBK will dissolve in water, alcohols, benzenes and ethers. Methyl isobutyl ketone is very flammable with a high vapor pressure; use only with good ventilation and avoid all ignition sources. MIBK exposure is possible in both industrial and consumer applications. Occupational exposure limits have been established to control the allowable amount of exposure in workplace settings. Consumer exposure, generally infrequent and short in duration, is also highly dependent upon the conditions under which MIBK is used. Product characteristics • Molecular Weight :100.2 g/mol • Empirical Formula :C6H12O • Appearance : Colorless Liquid • Freezing Point : -84.7°C (-120°F) • Refractive Index @ 20°C :1.396 • Density @ 20°C :0.802 g/cm3 • Flash Point: 14°C : (57.2°F) • Solubility @ 20°C(in Water) : 2.0% m/m • (Water in) : 2.4% m/m • Boiling Point @ 760mm Hg :115°C (239°F) APPLICATIONS : • MIBK is used primarily in solvent applications (mainly for surface coatings). • It is also used for rubber antiozonants and acetylenic surfactants. • MIBK major application is in the manufacture of lube oil additives, followed by its use as the principal flotation frother in treating copper and other ores. • Surface coatings make up a minor portion of MIBC consumption. World MIBC statistics are difficult to estimate, but overall, • MIBC will experience positive growth in lube oil applications and as a flotation frother (especially in actively mined regions). • Used in inks, paints, lacquers and other types of surface coatings • MIBK is used as a chemical intermediate, a solvent for manufacturing paints, rubbers, pharmaceuticals, other chemicals, and industrial cleaners. It is used in the semiconductor industry. • MIBK is very efficient at dissolving resins used in paints, inks, lacquers, and other types of surface coatings. • MIBK is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved indirect food additive for adhesives, paper and paperboard, and polymers. MIBK occurs naturally in oranges, grapes and vinegar. MIBK is used as a solvent in factories that produce paints, rubber products, chemicals and machinery. As a solvent, it is used in pesticide application. Pharmaceutical companies that produce prescription drugs also use MIBK. MIBK strengthens and preserves flavors and fragrances. Consumer products containing MIBK include aerosol paints, coatings used in construction, and automobile and machinery paints and primers. GLOBAL SCENARIO: Considering the steady growth in demand and the applications in thrust areas of growth, strong case exists for capacity creation for MIBK. Surface coating market and rubber (tyre) market would drive the demand for MIBK. Growth rate of USA and Western Europe is estimated to be 1% and that of Asia Pacific is estimated to be 5% through 2014. Global consumption (period 2009) was 402,200 metric tons. Some applications (especially antiozonants) are moving to Asia, particularly China. MIBK consumption for antiozonants is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 4 to 5% in Asia and 0 to 1% in the United States and Western Europe. World MIBK consumption will grow slowly from 2007 to 2012.