MIBK- ▸ Coatings & lacquers: Solvent for paints, varnishes, lacquers, and nitrocellulose
- ▸ Resin processing: Solvent for vinyl, epoxy, acrylic, and natural resins
- ▸ Metal extraction: Extraction solvent in hydrometallurgy
- ▸ Adhesives & inks: Solvent in adhesive and printing-ink formulations
- ▸ Alcohol denaturant: Denaturant for rubbing alcohol
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →
Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Methyl isobutyl ketone (CAS 108-10-1), or MIBK, is an aliphatic ketone solvent. It dissolves gums, natural and synthetic resins, nitrocellulose, paints, varnishes, and lacquers, and is used as an extraction solvent for metals and in adhesive and coating manufacture.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 203-550-1
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Regulatory restriction status
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) (CAS 108-10-1) appears on the regulatory list(s) below. This is public regulatory information about the substance — not a statement about any specific supplier’s material, and not a safety claim. Confirm the current status for your jurisdiction and intended use.
- California Proposition 65: listed for cancer and reproductive toxicity, listed 4 Nov 2011. A California Proposition 65 warning applies (see the warning above).
Sources: ECHA Candidate List / Annex XIV / Annex XVII (echa.europa.eu); U.S. EPA TSCA; UN Stockholm Convention / EU POPs Regulation; California OEHHA Proposition 65 list. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is methyl isobutyl ketone used for?
MIBK (CAS 108-10-1) is an aliphatic ketone solvent for paints, varnishes, lacquers, and nitrocellulose; for vinyl, epoxy, acrylic, and natural resins; as an extraction solvent in hydrometallurgy; and in adhesives and printing inks. RawSource supplies it in bulk for coatings and process use.
What is another name for MIBK?
MIBK stands for methyl isobutyl ketone; it is also called 4-methyl-2-pentanone or isobutyl methyl ketone. The CAS number is 108-10-1 and the HS code is 2914.13.
Is MIBK the same as MEK?
No. MIBK is methyl isobutyl ketone (C6H12O, CAS 108-10-1); MEK is methyl ethyl ketone (C4H8O, CAS 78-93-3). MIBK is a larger, higher-boiling ketone with a slower evaporation rate, often chosen for stronger resin solvency in coatings.
How is MIBK shipped and classified for transport?
MIBK is a flammable liquid, UN 1245, and ships under the applicable DOT/IMDG flammable-liquid requirements. RawSource supplies it in drums, totes, and bulk with a CoA and SDS per shipment; see the SDS for GHS classification and handling.
What is the cost of bulk methyl isobutyl ketone?
Bulk MIBK pricing varies with volume, packaging, and freight. Request a bulk quote from RawSource with your target quantity and delivery location for current pricing and lead time.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK)?
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) (CAS 108-10-1) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 203-550-1).