Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide

MEKP is a colorless solution of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide in dimethyl phthalate, with 9% active
oxygen. Hazard classification: Organic peroxide, Type D, class 5.2. ID No.: UN-3105. A maximum
of one pint may be shipped by UPS as an ORM-D (No HazMat fee). A maximum of four pints may
be shipped by UPS as a Hazardous Material with a HazMat fee of $25. Gallon jugs of MEKP may
be shipped only via common-carrier truck. We cannot ship MEKP outside the USA and therein only
to the lower 48.
Transportation Emergency: Phone CHEMTREC 800-424-9300 Day or Night.
Ingredient
methyl ethyl ketone peroxide
dimethyl phthalate
methyl ethyl ketone
hydrogen peroxide

CAS number
1338-23-4
131-11-3
78-93-3
7722-84-1

MEKP should be stored in the original closed container in a cool place away from all sources of
heat, sparks, or flames, and out of direct sunlight. Exposure to high temperatures or contamination
with foreign materials may result in explosive decomposition. Do not store in unvented glass
containers. Do not store in the vicinity of cobalt naphthenate, dimethyl aniline, or other promoters,
accelerators, acids, bases, or strong reducing agents. Do not store in the vicinity of food or drink.
Do not reuse the container. Maximum storage temperature 38C (100F). Decomposition
temperature 68C (155F).
MEKP is a strong irritant. Avoid swallowing and all contact with eyes and skin. Ingestion can be
fatal! Discard contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin thoroughly with soap and water. If
swallowed, take large quantities of milk or water and immediately call a physician. MEKP in the
eye may result in irreversible blindness, even if flushed out with water! Flush the eyes
immediately with water. SECONDS COUNT! Continue flushing for at least 30 minutes, and call a
physician. Do not take chances with this chemical. Wear goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and a
respirator, and be careful. We sell an Eyewash Bottle and recommend keeping one anywhere MEKP
is used to provide instant first aid while one gets to a sink with running water.
Be sure all promoters and accelerators are thoroughly mixed into the resin before adding MEKP.
These agents should never be mixed directly with MEKP. Violent decomposition and fire could
result from such mixing or contamination. Stir MEKP into the resin slowly and carefully to avoid
splashing.
Spilled material should be absorbed in inert materials such as vermiculite or sand and then wet with
water. All such contaminated material should be placed in double polyethylene bags and kept out of
doors and away from combustibles until it can be removed by qualified hazardous waste personnel.
In case of FIRE, spray with water [preferably with a fog nozzle], or with CO2 or foam from a safe
distance. Dry chemical or other extinguishers may be effective against a very small fire.

Guidelines for use of MEKP with vinylester resin containing 0.4% of 6% CoN:
Minimum for a slow cure, or for very thick sections, or for high temperatures
0.75%
Normal for boat layups at moderate temperatures (20 to 25C)
1.5 to 2.0%
Hot batch for single layers or small patches or for low-temperature use
3.0 to 4.0%
These amounts should be reduced by about 20% for comparable gel times with most polyester
resins. Do not exceed 2% with NPG gelcoats to prevent premature gelation. These must be taken as
guidelines only. You are advised to carry out your own tests before starting large-scale work. You
must consider the desired gel time, as well as the temperature and other conditions in your shop,
whenever mixing resin.
The above information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, since data, safety
standards, and government regulations are subject to change, and since the conditions of handling
and use or misuse are beyond our control, we make NO WARRANTY, either expressed or implied,
with respect to the COMPLETENESS or CONTINUING ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN, AND DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY FOR RELIANCE THEREON. The
user should satisfy himself that he has all current data relevant to his particular use. Please call and
request a manufacturers MSDS for further information.
chemical name: methyl ethyl ketone peroxide CAS no.: 1338-23-4 synonyms: 2-butanone peroxide;
MEK peroxide; methyl ethyl ketone hydroperoxide; NCI-C55447 trade names: Butanox 1PT;
Butanox M 50; Butanox M 105; Cadox; Chaloxyd MEKP-HA 1; Chaloxyd MEKP-LA 1;
Esperfoam FR; FR 222; Hi-Point 90; Hi-Point PD-1; Kayamek A; Kayamek M; Ketonox; Lucidol
Delta X; Lupersol Delta X 9; Lupersol DNF; Lupersol DSW; MEK Peroxide; Mekpo; Mepox;
Permek G; Permek N; Quickset Extra; Quickset Super; RCRA Waste Number U160; Sprayset
MEKP; Thermacure; Trigonox M 50 description: a colorless to pale yellow liquid solubility: soluble
in water
MEK peroxide monomer
chemical name: (1-methylpropylidene)bishydroperoxide CAS no.: 2625-67-4 synonyms: 2,2dihydroperoxybutane; MEK peroxide monomer molecular weight: 122.12 molecular formula:

C4H10O4 structural formula:

appearance: colorless liquid solubility: miscible with
water, alcohols, ether (personal observation) derivative: bis-p-nitrobenzoate: mp 107.5-109C
(personal observation)
MEK peroxide dimer chemical name: [dioxybis(1-methylpropylidene)]bishydroperoxide CAS no.:
126-76-1 synonyms: 2,2'-dihydroperoxy-2,2'-dibutyl peroxide; MEK peroxide dimer molecular

weight: 210.23 molecular formula: C8H18O6 structural formula:

description: may
exist in two stereo isomeric forms: dl and meso melting points: one isomer: 43-49C; the other
isomer: liquid at room temperature (mp not determined) (personal observation) solubility: soluble in
hexane, isooctane, methyl t-butyl ether; slightly soluble in water (personal observation) derivatives:
bis-p-nitrobenzoate of one isomer: mp 192-218C; bis-p-nitrobenzoate of the other isomer:
sublimes at around 120C (personal observation)

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is an organic peroxide, a high explosive similar to acetone
peroxide, and is quite dangerous to synthesize. Unlike acetone peroxide, however, MEKP is a
colorless, oily liquid at room temperature and pressure, while acetone peroxide is a white solid. It is
slightly less sensitive to shock and temperature, and more stable in storage.
Dilute solutions of MEKP are used in industry and by hobbyists as the catalyst which initiates the
polymerization of polyester resins used in glass-reinforced plastic, and casting. Benzoyl peroxide
can be used for the same purpose.