Ketones

A ketone is a compound containing a carbonyl group with two hydrocarbon groups attached to it.

Formal names for ketones include the prefix from the alkyl group and the suffix -one. Two of the simplest are propanone, marketed under the name acetone, and 2-butanone, marketed under the name methyl ethyl ketone or MEK.

An important ketone is fructose, or fruit sugar.

Propanone (Acetone)

The ketone propanone is more widely known by its common name acetone.

Acetone is the simplest of the ketones. Acetone is a commonly used solvent and is the active ingredient in nail polish remover and some paint thinners. It is used in the manufacture of plastics, and care must be exercised with its use around plastic objects since it will dissolve many plastics. It is found in small amounts in living organisms, including the human body.

2-Butanone ( Methyl Ethyl Ketone or MEK)

The ketone 2-butanone is more widely known by its common name Methyl Ethyl Ketone or MEK.

MEK is a widely used solvent. It is used in paints and other coatings because it will quickly evaporate. It is used in synthetic rubber, in the production of paraffin wax, lacquers and varnishes, in paint removers. It is a denaturing agent for denatured alcohol. MEK is also used in dry erase markers as the solvent of the erasable dye. MEK is made by some trees and found in some fruits and vegetables in small amounts.