[10] Butanone is an effective and common solvent[8] and is used in processes involving gums, resins, cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose coatings and in vinyl films.

The hydroxylamine derivative of butanone is methylethyl ketone oxime (MEKO), which also find use in paints and varnishes as an anti-skinning agent.

Butanone is the precursor to methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, which is a catalyst for some polymerization reactions such as crosslinking of unsaturated polyester resins.

Dimethylglyoxime can be prepared from butanone first by reaction with ethyl nitrite to give diacetyl monoxime followed by conversion to the dioxime:[15] In the peroxide process on producing hydrazine, the starting chemical ammonia is bonded to butanone, oxidized by hydrogen peroxide, bonded to another ammonia molecule.

[8] The ignition of butanone vapor was the proximate cause of the 2007 Xcel Energy Cabin Creek fire, resulting in the deaths of five workers in a hydroelectric penstock.

After the incident, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board specifically noted the danger posed by butanone in confined spaces, and suggested 1,1,1-trichloroethane or limonene as safer alternatives.

[16] Butanone is listed as a Table II precursor under the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

[22] Emission of butanone was regulated in the US as a hazardous air pollutant, because it is a volatile organic compound contributing to the formation of tropospheric (ground-level) ozone.