Answer to Question #5251 in Biochemistry for HALEY

Question

What are the Major Modes/Pathways for Biotransformation and Elimination for the chemical MEK?

Answer 1

The available evidence indicates that the metabolism of MEK is similar in humans and experimental animals. The majority of MEK is metabolized to 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, which is subsequently metabolized to 2,3-butanediol. A small portion is reversibly converted to 2-butanol

In human studies involving acute inhalation exposure, the urinary excretion of MEK and metabolites and the exhalation of unchanged MEK have been
estimated to account for only a small percentage (0.1–3%) of the absorbed
dose (Perbellini et al., 1984; Liira et al., 1988). The
remainder of the absorbed dose is expected to have undergone rapid transformation to carbon dioxide and water through intermediary metabolic pathways.