Butanone price April 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$1.11/KG, -1.8% down
- Europe:US$1.23/KG, -3.1% down
- Africa:US$1.14/KG, unchanged
- Northeast Asia:US$1.03/KG, -1.9% down
- Southeast Asia:US$0.79/KG, -2.5% down
- South America:US$1.01/KG, unchanged
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Butanone price index
This post is a summary of the Butanone (MEK) price developments. The price developments of Butanone are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Butanone price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Butanone prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Butanone prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of MEK
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Butanone prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Butanone market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the Butanone price index
What is Butanone
Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is an organic compound that is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet, fruity aroma. It is a member of the ketone family and is used as a solvent in a variety of applications, including the production of paints, adhesives, and coatings. Butanone is also used as a solvent in the production of plastics, resins, and rubber, and as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals. It is toxic if ingested or inhaled and can cause skin irritation. It is important to use caution when handling butanone and to follow proper safety guidelines.
How is Butanone produced
Butanone, or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is produced through the acetylation of 2-butanol, which is an alcohol. The acetylation process involves the addition of an acetyl group to the 2-butanol molecule to form butanone. The reaction is typically carried out using an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.
Butanone can also be produced through the oxidation of 2-butanol, which is an alcohol. This process involves the addition of oxygen to the 2-butanol molecule to form butanone and water.
The production of butanone can produce a variety of by-products and waste materials, and it is important to properly manage these materials to minimize environmental impacts.
What is Butanone used for
Butanone, or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is a versatile solvent that is used in a variety of applications, including:
Paints and coatings
Butanone is used as a solvent in the production of paints, coatings, and other products that require a thin, liquid medium to dissolve or disperse other ingredients.
Adhesives
Butanone is used as a solvent in the production of adhesives, including contact cements, rubber cements, and other types of adhesives that require a solvent to dissolve or disperse other ingredients.
Plastics and resins
Butanone is used as a solvent in the production of plastics and resins, including polycarbonate and other types of plastic resins.
Rubber
Butanone is used as a solvent in the production of rubber, including synthetic rubber and other types of rubber products.
Chemical intermediate
Butanone is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other industrial chemicals.
How big is the Butanone market
The butanone market is a significant global industry, with demand driven by a variety of end-use applications. According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the global butanone market was valued at $5.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $8.6 billion by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing demand for butanone in the production of paints, adhesives, and coatings, as well as in the production of plastics and resins. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for butanone, followed by North America and Europe. The market is expected to witness significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by the increasing demand for butanone in various applications.
According to https://oec.world/ :
Butanone are the world’s 2330th most traded product.
In 2020, the top exporters of Butanone were China ($180M), Japan ($120M), Netherlands ($82M), United Kingdom ($80.7M), and South Africa ($67M).
In 2020, the top importers of Butanone were South Korea ($108M), United States ($96.3M), Belgium ($56.9M), Vietnam ($42.2M), and Germany ($37.6M).
Further reading
- Wikipedia for general, history, production and usage information
- PubChem for chemistry and property information
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