ASTM D740-11 (2026) PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D740-11 (2026) — Standard Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone. This ASTM specification (designation D740) defines requirements, sampling and test methods for methyl ethyl ketone (commonly known as MEK or 2‑butanone) in two commercial grades (regular and urethane grade) used primarily as solvents in coatings, adhesives, inks, lube oil processing and as chemical intermediates.

Abstract

ASTM D740 specifies the physical and chemical property limits, classification, sampling and accepted test methods for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). The standard covers two types — Type I (regular) and Type II (urethane grade) — and provides criteria for acidity, alcohol content, color (Pt‑Co/tristimulus), distillation range, nonvolatile matter, purity (gas chromatography), apparent specific gravity (density), and water content. Test methods and sampling practices referenced in the specification are standard ASTM methods appropriate for volatile solvents.

General information

• Status: Active / Current as of February 21, 2026 (latest revision/reapproval issued in 2026).
• Publication date: Original designation D740–11 published December 2011; reapproved/reissued editions include 2019 and the current 2026 reissue.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 71.080.80 (Aldehydes and ketones); 87.060.30 (Solvents).
• Edition / version: Designation D740–11; current reissue notation D740–11(2026).
• Number of pages: 2 (concise specification sheet).

Scope

This specification covers methyl ethyl ketone (MEK, 2‑butanone) in two commercial types (regular and urethane grade) used primarily as solvents for lacquers and industrial coatings and secondarily in adhesives, printing inks, lube oil dewaxing and as intermediates. It sets required property limits, prescribes sampling practices, and identifies standard test methods used to determine conformance. Values are expressed in SI units and rounding/conformance rules follow ASTM practice.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification into Type I (regular) and Type II (urethane grade).
• Physical and chemical property limits: acidity, alcohol content, color (Pt‑Co/tristimulus), distillation range (initial boiling point and dry point), nonvolatile matter, purity (by gas chromatography), apparent specific gravity (density), and water content.
• Sampling requirements referenced to Practice E300 for industrial chemicals and solvent sampling.
• Referenced test methods for determinations (e.g., acidity, alcohol by GC, distillation, color, water by Karl Fischer, nonvolatile matter, density measurements).
• Rounding and significance rules for determining conformance (per Practice E29).
• Guidance to consult supplier safety data sheets for hazard and handling information.

Typical use and users

Used by chemical producers, solvent suppliers, formulators of coatings, inks and adhesives, quality control laboratories, procurement/specification engineers, regulatory and compliance teams, and downstream industrial users who require verified MEK quality for manufacturing, formulation or process operations.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM standards in conjunction with D740 include: Practice E300 (sampling industrial chemicals), Practice E29 (significant digits and rounding), Test Method D1613 (acidity), Test Method D2804 (purity/alcohol by GC), Test Method D1078 (distillation range), Test Method D1209/D5386 (color), Test Method D1353 (nonvolatile matter), Test Method D1364 (water by Karl Fischer), and Test Method D4052 (density). D740 is also cited by and cross‑references other paint, coatings and solvent test methods and specifications.

Keywords

methyl ethyl ketone, MEK, 2‑butanone, butanone, solvent specification, Type I regular, Type II urethane grade, solvent quality, purity, distillation range, acidity, ASTM D740

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D740 (designation D740–11, reissued 2026) is the ASTM specification that defines required properties, sampling and test methods for methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) used as an industrial solvent.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two commercial types of MEK (regular and urethane grade) and specifies limits and test methods for acidity, alcohol content, color, distillation range, nonvolatile matter, purity, density and water content, plus sampling and rounding/conformance rules.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Chemical manufacturers, solvent suppliers, QC/analytical labs, formulators in paints, coatings, adhesives and inks, purchasing/specification teams, and regulatory/compliance personnel.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D740–11 designation remains the base document; it has been reapproved/reissued in later years (notably 2019) and is currently listed with a 2026 reissue notation. As of February 21, 2026 this specification is active and in force.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D740 is part of ASTM Committee D01 (Paints and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications) solvent and chemical intermediate specifications and is frequently grouped with other volatile solvent specifications and related test methods in the ASTM paint/coatings collection.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: methyl ethyl ketone, MEK, 2‑butanone, solvent specification, regular grade, urethane grade, purity, distillation, acidity, ASTM.