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Chemically the difference is 1 carbon and 2 hydrogen atoms.

Acetone ==> CH3-CHO-CH3

MEK (Butanone) ==> CH3-CHO-CH2-CH3

Their properties are therefore very similar because of this.

MEK

HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Acetone

HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Acetone also happens to be much cheaper.

As for uses, since acetone evaporates quicker it is often used as a paint thinner as it will not prolong the drying time as much as MEK would. Acetone is also a better solvent because looking at the structure of the molecule it has a more medium polarity than MEK, and thus dissolves a wider range of compounds.

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12y ago

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