General characteristics and behaviour of the 3 chemicals
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is used in the manufacture of solvents (paints, glues), as an extraction solvent (paper, dewaxing oils) and in organic synthesis. It is a very volatile, stable product which is explosive when mixed with air. Its vapours, that are heavier than air, and its pleasant odour can be perceived at a concentration of 2 ppm. According to MARPOL, this product is classed III like IPA.
Formula | CH3 CO C2H5 |
Danger code | UN n°: 1193 - IMDG class: 3.2 |
Appearance at 20% | Colourless liquid, acetone-like odour |
Relative density | Water: 0.81 - Air: 4.4 |
Flash point | -6 to -4°C |
Solubility | Highly soluble in water: 353 g/l at 0°C |
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
Isopropyl Alcohol is used in the manufacture of solvents (paints, varnishes), the extraction of essential oils, the purification of pharmaceutical products, the dehydration of sugar, starch and platinum, in organic synthesis and in antifreeze. It is stable, highly flammable and highly volatile. It floats and mixes with water. Under the MARPOL classification it is class III: practically non-toxic for aquatic life, no bioaccumulation in soil or aqueous environments. The toxicity risks generated by IPA for humans and the environment are therefore very low. The main risk is rather that of fire/explosion in the case of a large-scale release in air.
Formula | (CH3)2 - CH - OH |
Danger code | N° UN : 1219 - Classe IMDH : 3.2 |
Appearance at 20% | Colourless mobile liquid |
Relative density | Water: 0.785 - Air: 2.67 |
Flash point | + 12°C |
Solubility | Soluble in water in all proportions |
Styrene
Styrene is a compound used in the manufacture of polymers and copolymers (polystyrene, ABS-Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, synthetic rubber, resins, polyesters, alkyl styrenes, ion exchange resins) and in organic synthesis. It is a very volatile product which is explosive when mixed with air. During transport, its stability is ensured by adding a polymerisation inhibitor. Its vapours are heavier than air and can cause irritation to the eyes and lungs. Its olfactory detection threshold is 0.4 ppm. According to MARPOL (classification established by the International Maritime Organization), this product is in category B: a substance which is bioaccumulated with a short retention time of the order of one week or less, or which is liable to produce a tainting of sea food, or which is moderately toxic to aquatic life. In seawater, its immediate toxicity threshold varies between 2 and 100 mg/l according to the organisms involved. The main risk is therefore expected to be that generated by the cloud formed by the evaporation of the substance in the event of a large-scale release.
Formula | C6H5 - CH = CH2 |
Danger code | UN n°: 2055 - IMDG class: 3.3 |
Appearance at 20% | Colourless to pale yellow liquid |
Relative density | Water: 0.906 - Air: 3.6 |
Flash point | + 31°C |
Solubility | 280 mg/l at 20°C |