METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE)

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used to dissolve gallstones; gasoline additive.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has several medical applications as well and is used as a solvent for synthesizing APIs.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is sometimes used as a solvent.

CAS Number: 1634-04-4 
EC Number: 216-653-1
MDL number: MFCD00008812
Molecular Formula: C5H12O / (CH3)3COCH3
Molecular Weight: 88.150 g·mol−1

SYNONYMS:
Methyl tert-butyl ether, Methyl t-butyl ether, Tert-butyl methyl ether, T-butyl methyl ether, MTBE, 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane, Methyl-tert-butyl ether, methyl 1,1-dimethylethyl ether, 2-methyl-2-methoxypropane, METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER, 1634-04-4, 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane, Methyl tertiary-butyl ether, Methyl t-butyl ether, MTBE, tert-Butyl methyl ether, tBME, tert-BuOMe, MTBE, Methyl tert-butyl ether, tert-Butyl methyl ether, Methyl tert-butyl ether, 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane, Methyl t-butyl ether, Propane, 2-methoxy-2-methyl-, T-BUTYL METHYL ETHER, Methyl tertiary-butyl ether, 2-Methyl-2-methoxypropane, Ether, tert-butyl methyl, Methyl 1,1-dimethylethyl ether, 1,1-dimethylethyl methyl ether, CHEBI:27642, DTXSID3020833, 29I4YB3S89, TERT-BUTOXYMETHANE, DTXCID30833, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), 2-methoxy-2-methyl propane, 216-653-1, Methyl-tert-butyl ether, Methyl-t-butyl ether, tert-butylmethylether, tert-Butylmethyl ether, tert-C4H9OCH3, 2-methoxy-2-methyl-propane, MFCD00008812, methyltert-butyl ether, methyl-tert-butyl-ether, Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, tert-butyl-d9 methyl ether, tBME, Methyl tert butyl ether, tert-BuOMe, methyl-t-butylether, t-butylmethyl ether, methyltertbutyl ether, tertbutylmethyl ether, methyl t-butylether, methylt-butyl ether, t-BuOMe, t-butyl methylether, t-butyl-methylether, tert-butylmethyether, MTBE ACS grade, tert.butylmethylether, t-butyl methyi ether, t-butyl-methyl ether, t-butyl-methyl-ether, methyl tert-butylether, methyl tertbutyl ether, methyl-tert.butylether, methyl-tertbutyl ether, methyl-tertbutyl-ether, tert -butylmethylether, tert butylmethyl ether, tert-butyl-methylether, tert. butylmethylether, tert.-butylmethylether, tert.butyl-methylether, tert.butylmethyl ether, tertbutyl methyl ether, tertbutyl(methyl)ether, Tert-butyl methylether, methy tert-butyl ether, methyl ter-butyl ether, metyl tert-butyl ether, ter-butyl methyl ether, tert-buty methyl ether, tert-buyl methyl ether, methyl tert.-butylether, methyl tert.butyl ether, methyl-tert butyl ether, methyl-tert. butylether, methyl-tert.-butylether, methyl-tert.butyl ether, tert-butyl-methyl ether, tert-butyl-methyl-ether, tert. butyl-methylether, tert.-butyl methylether, tert.-butyl-methylether, tert.-butylmethyl ether, tert.butyl methyl ether, Tert butyl methyl ether, methyl tert.-butyl ether, methyl-tert. butyl ether, tert. butyl-methyl-ether, tert.-butyl methyl ether, tert.-butyl-methyl ether, tert.-butyl-methyl-ether, methyl-tertiarybutyl ether, tert. Butyl methyl ether, tertiary butylmethyl ether, methyl tert.- butyl ether, Epitope ID:122671, tertiary-butyl methyl ether, EC 216-653-1, Tertiary butyl methyl ether, SCHEMBL6223, SCHEMBL41387, 4-01-00-01615 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), (CH3)3COCH3, SCHEMBL131600, SCHEMBL503396, SCHEMBL574467, SCHEMBL1666045, SCHEMBL9668880, tert-butyl methyl ether (mtbe), CHEMBL1452799, SCHEMBL29665007, (METHYL)(TERT-BUTYL)ETHER, tert-Butylmethyl ether, HPLC Grade, Tox21_201184, tert-Butyl methyl ether, HPLC grade, METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER [MI], AKOS000121105, METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER [IARC], tert-Butyl methyl ether, LR, >=99%, UN 2398, TERT-BUTYLMETHYL ETHER [USP-RS], NCGC00091717-01, NCGC00091717-02, NCGC00258736-01, tert-Butyl methyl ether, p.a., 99.5%, CAS-1634-04-4, tert-Butyl methyl ether, AR, >=99.5%, DB-030412, B0991, NS00008307, tert-Butyl methyl ether, analytical standard, tert-Butyl methyl ether, anhydrous, 99.8%, tert-Butyl methyl ether, reagent grade, 98%, tert-Butyl methyl ether, for HPLC, >=99.8%, tert-Butyl methyl ether, for HPLC, >=99.9%, tert-Butyl methyl ether, reagent grade, >=98%, Q412346, tert-Butyl methyl ether, ACS reagent, >=99.0%, tert-Butylmethyl ether 100 microg/mL in Methanol, InChI=1/C5H12O/c1-5(2,3)6-4/h1-4H, Methyl tert-butyl ether 2000 microg/mL in Methanol, tert-Butyl methyl ether, 99.8% (water < 0.05%), F0001-0590, Methyl tert-butyl ether [UN2398] [Flammable liquid], MTBE ACS grade trace metal grade, stainless steel drum, tert-Butyl methyl ether, HPLC grade, for HPLC, 99.8%, tert-Butyl methyl ether, puriss. p.a., >=99.5%, tert-Butyl methyl ether, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%, tert-Butyl Methyl Ether, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material, tert-Butyl methyl ether, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a volatile, flammable ether formed by reacting methanol with isobutylene.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), also known as MTBE, is a clear, colorless liquid with an ether-like odor that is designed for use as a blending component in motor vehicle fuels.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) helps gasoline burn cleaner which yields a reduction in automobile emissions.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is an oxygenate, meaning it increases the oxygen content of the gasoline, and is also an octane rating enhancer in gasoline.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and other oxygenates were commercially introduced into fuels in 1979 as anti-knock compounds following the phase out of tetraethyl lead in gasoline.
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 resulted in the widespread use of MMethyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) BE in those parts of the country where oxygenated gasoline was required, either by federal or state law.

Refiners primarily added Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) to gasoline to meet the Clean Air Act requirement that areas with severe problems in attaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone use Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) containing 2% oxygen by weight.
An ether used in the blending of reformulated gasolines, affecting vapor pressure and octane level.

Unlike ethanol, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is fungible and will not separate out during shipment.
There is no domestic market for Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), so any production is exported.
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) is formed by the blending of chemicals like methanol and isobutylene.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a colorless liquid and has a distinctive odour.

The vapors of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) are denser than both narcotic and air.
The boiling point of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is 131-degree F with the flashpoint being 18-degree F.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is miscible in water as it is less dense than water.

This is why Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) can be used as an octane booster for gasoline.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been used since the 1980s as an additive to achieve a more efficient burning, especially for unleaded petrol.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) can also be used for medical reasons to dissolve the gall bladder stone.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is directly delivered to the patient’s gall bladder with the help of tubes.
The tubes are surgically inserted into the patient for safety reasons.

Methyl and tert-butyl are the two-alkyl components in methyl butyl ether.
This solution is a metabolite, a fuel additive, and a non-polar solvent.
When combined with gasoline, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is known to increase the oxygen and octane levels and reduce pollution, which is remarkable.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), also known as tert-butyl methyl ether, is an organic compound with the structural formula (CH3)3COCH3.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid that is sparingly soluble in water.
Primarily used as a fuel additive, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is blended into gasoline to increase octane rating, improve knock resistance, and reduce unwanted tailpipe emissions.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is manufactured via the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene.
Methanol is primarily derived from natural gas, where steam reforming converts light hydrocarbons (primarily methane) into carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

These gases then react in the presence of a catalyst to form methanol.
Isobutylene can be produced through several methods: n-butane can be isomerized into isobutane, which can be dehydrogenated to isobutylene.
In the Halcon process, t-butyl hydroperoxide derived from isobutane oxygenation reacts with propylene to produce propylene oxide and t-butanol, which can then be dehydrated to isobutylene.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) production has been steady globally due to its positive impact on engine performance, with growing demand particularly in Asian markets.
Chinese capacity increased from ~18 million metric tons in 2017 to ~22 million metric tons in 2023, with actual production around ~16 million metric tons.

In the U.S., Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) production peaked in 1999 at 260,000 barrels per day, then declined due to environmental and health concerns to ~50,000 barrels per day, mostly for export.
Saudi Aramco is currently the world’s largest producer with an estimated capacity of 2.37 million metric tons per year.
Worldwide production capacity of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in 2018 was estimated at 35 million metric tons.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is primarily used as a fuel component in gasoline engines.
As an oxygenate, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) increases the oxygen content of gasoline, promoting more complete combustion and reducing tailpipe emissions.

As an Anti-Knocking Agent: Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been used in U.S. gasoline since 1979, replacing tetraethyllead (TEL) to prevent engine knocking and improve octane rating.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) appears as a colorless liquid with a distinctive anesthetic-like odor.

Oxygenates like Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) also help displace aromatics in gasoline, such as benzene.
Alternatives to Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE): Other oxygenates, such as ethanol and ETBE (produced from ethanol and isobutene), can replace MTBE.

Higher-quality gasoline or iso-octane can also serve as alternatives.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is volatile, flammable, and colorless with a mild odor.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is miscible with gasoline, has low blending vapor pressure, suitable distillation properties, and is slightly soluble in water without phase separation.

Compared to other oxygenated fuels, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has lower blending density, lower blending vapor pressure, and does not cause corrosion problems.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a liquid with a distinctive, disagreeable odor.

Patients treated in this way have Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) delivered directly to their gall bladders through special tubes that are surgically inserted.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) appears as a colorless liquid with a distinctive anesthetic-like odor.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has a flash point lower than most ambient temperatures, so it will readily ignite under most conditions.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is less dense than water and moderately soluble in water.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is an ether having methyl and tert-butyl as the two alkyl components.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has a role as a non-polar solvent, a fuel additive and a metabolite.

USES and APPLICATIONS of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
Medical Use of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE): Occasionally evaluated as a solvent to dissolve gallstones in medical treatments.
Recommended Use of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE): Fuel additive and Octane enhancer.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used as a gasoline additive.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used to dissolve gallstones; gasoline additive.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) (methyl tert-butyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, or MTBE) is a chemical compound once commonly used in the United States as a fuel additive in gasoline.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has several medical applications as well and is used as a solvent for synthesizing APIs.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is sometimes used as a solvent.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used less commonly than diethyl ether.

Although an ether, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a poor Lewis base (due to steric effects) and does not support formation of Grignard reagents.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) reacts dangerously with strong acids or bromine.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) forms azeotropes with water (52.6 °C; 96.5% MTBE) and methanol (51.3 °C; 68.6% MTBE).
The solubility of water in Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is reported to be 1.5 g/100g at 23 °C.
In an investigational medical procedure called contact dissolution therapy, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is injected directly into the gallbladder to dissolve cholesterol gallstones.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used in organic chemistry as a relatively inexpensive solvent with properties comparable to diethyl ether, but with a higher boiling point and less solubility in water.
As a solvent, Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has one distinct advantage over most ethers - it has a much lower tendency to form explosive organic peroxides.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is widely used as a solvent in industry where, for safety and regulatory reasons, handling diethyl ether or other ethers is much more difficult and expensive.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) as a solvent is used in the oil refining industry as a method for dewaxing waxy petroleum fractions.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is manufactured via the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a volatile organic compound that is used as a fuel additive in gasoline to increase its octane rating and reduce emissions.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a highly effective oxygenate, which means it increases the oxygen content of gasoline, resulting in a cleaner burn and lower emissions of carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is also used as a solvent in the production of resins, coatings, and pharmaceuticals.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a versatile solvent that can dissolve a wide range of substances, including oils, waxes, and resins.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is also used in the production of synthetic rubber and as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of other chemicals.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is made from blending chemicals such as isobutylene and methanol, and has been used since the 1980s as an additive for unleaded gasolines to achieve more efficient burning.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is also used to dissolve gallstones.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used as a octane booster in gasoline.

-Fuel Additive & Oxygenate uses of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE):
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is widely used since the late 1970s as a gasoline oxygenate to raise the octane rating and improve combustion efficiency.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) helps reduce engine knocking, lowers tailpipe emissions such as carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons, and displaces more harmful components like benzene.

-Petrochemical Solvent & Feedstock uses of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE):
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used in the petrochemical industry for producing isobutene, methacrolein, methacrylic acid, and as a solvent suitable for Grignard reactions due to its stability and low tendency to form peroxides.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is employed as an extractant, e.g., in solvent dewaxing of hydrocarbon oils.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), MTBE, is widely used as the oxygenated additive to improve the characteristics of petrol.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)'s production grew over 20 years from almost zero to about 16 million tonnes a year in 2002.

There has now been a dramatic turnaround in the US, Canada, Japan and in Europe.
China and many other countries still use Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) as their additive of choice although in China, methanol is now being used more.

Denmark in the EU was the first to reduce the use of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) but the amount used in the EU varies from country to country and between suppliers.
For example, in Finland, the proportion of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in petrol is between 10 and 15%, with an average of 12%.

The petrol in the UK uses much less Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), one of the lowest proportions in Europe often with 1-2% MTBE and a range from 0 to 10%.
Apparently, the British are particularly price conscious.

As Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is relatively costly, it is only added in significant quantities to petrol, where the high octane rating of 98 is needed.
The petrol of octane rating 95, the most used, does not need an additive.

An increasing amount of ETBE (ethyl t-butyl ether) is used in Europe, particularly in France.
Another ether, TAME (t-amyl methyl ether) is also used in the US and Europe.

BENEFITS of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
*High octane.
*Improved engine performance.
*Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) provides formulation flexibility.
*Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) improves combustion.
*Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) helps to lower gasoline sulfur and aromatic content.

FURTHER DETAILS of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is often found in several water sources, especially in urban areas, because of the leaks in the underground storage tanks of gasoline.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) can be felt in the air nearby if there are fuel facilities.

The air gets exposed to Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) when people are fuelling their vehicles.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is an essential chemical that is being used in several industries around the globe.
There are several benefits of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).

In addition, purity and superior quality Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) can be used for several purposes in the industries to reach the desired goals.
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been used as a common additive in gasoline, to help improve combustion and reduce exhaust emissions.

However, this use has decreased significantly, and only a small percentage of Canadian gasoline supplies currently contain Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).
Health Canada recently completed its review of Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in drinking water.

OCCURRENCE/USE of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
Gasoline additive (oxygenate; improves octane ratings and reduces pollutant emission); medicine (dissolves cholesterol gall stones)
Methyl t-butyl ether (2-methoxy-2-methylpropane), often referred to as simply Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), has been widely used over the last 30 years to improve the burning characteristics of petrol.

When oil is distilled, the fraction that can be used as petrol (the naphtha fraction) is made up mainly of C4 to C10 straight chain alkanes, which have a suitable volatility.

However, these hydrocarbons burn in a way that leads to explosion in the engine cylinder at the wrong time (knock).
If petrol vapour and air ignites in the cylinder of the car engine before the cylinder reaches the optimum position, a process known as pre-ignition and also as engine knock occurs.

The term knock is used as pre-ignition can be heard.
Severe knock can cause serious engine damage.

There are three ways of improving the performance of petrol (indicated by the octane rating of the petrol).
One is to add a volatile lead compound, usually lead tetraethyl, Pb(C2H5)4 (TEL).
However, there is great concern that when lead compounds are released into the atmosphere from the exhaust, they damage our health.

They also poison the metal catalysts in catalytic converters.
The use of lead compounds in petrol is now prohibited in most countries.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has conducted a long campaign to eliminate leaded fuel from developing countries.
According to the UN body, TEL-boosted petrol is now only used in six countries which include Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and North Korea.
Another way to reduce knock is to increase the proportion of branched chain alkanes, cycloalkanes (alicyclic) and aromatics in petrol.

The branched chain alkanes, cycloalkanes and aromatics are produced from straight-chain alkanes in a variety of ways, for example, by catalytic cracking of gas oil and by reforming of naphtha.
However, because of its toxicity, the use of benzene, one of the most effective hydrocarbons to help in raising the octane rating, is restricted.

A further way to improve the octane rating is to add an oxygenated compound.
The favoured compounds are alcohols (methanol and ethanol) and one of three ethers Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), ETBE (ethyl t-butyl ether), TAME (t-amyl methyl ether).

Another reason for using an oxygenated compound is that they burn effectively to carbon dioxide and water and there are very few other side-products, even in small amounts.
With the very stringent anti-pollution legislation in many countries, oxygenated compounds are added to reduce the proportion of hydrocarbons in petrol which in turn means an overall reduction of polluting gases (carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbon) in the exhaust.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
Chemical Formula: C5H12O
Molar Mass: 88.150 g·mol−1
Appearance: Colourless liquid
Density: 0.7404 g/cm³
Melting Point: −108.6 °C (−163.5 °F; 164.6 K)
Boiling Point: 55.5 °C (131.9 °F; 328.6 K)
Solubility in Water: 26 g/L (20 °C)
Vapor Pressure: 27 kPa (20 °C)
Viscosity: 3.4·10−4 Pa·s (25 °C)
Linear Formula: (CH3)3COCH3
CAS Number: 1634-04-4

Molecular Weight: 88.15 g/mol
Beilstein: 1730942
EC Number: 216-653-1
MDL Number: MFCD00008812
UNSPSC Code: 12352112
PubChem Substance ID: 57648465
NACRES: NA.21
Grade: Anhydrous
Assay: 99.8%

Boiling Point (lit.): 55–56 °C
Vapor Pressure: 4.05 psi
XLogP3: 0.9
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 1
Rotatable Bond Count: 1
Exact Mass: 88.088815002 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 88.088815002 Da

Topological Polar Surface Area: 9.2 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 6
Formal Charge: 0
Complexity: 33.7
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0

Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Colourless
Odor: Characteristic
Melting Point/Freezing Point: −108.6 °C at 1.013 hPa
Initial Boiling Point and Boiling Range: 55–56 °C - lit.

Flammability (Solid, Gas): No data available
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: 
Upper 8.5 % (V), Lower 1.6 % (V)
Flash Point: −28 °C - closed cup
Autoignition Temperature: 460 °C at 1013.0 hPa - DIN 51794
Decomposition Temperature: Distillable in an undecomposed state at normal pressure
pH: No data available
Viscosity, Kinematic: 0.409 mm²/s at 40 °C; 0.464 mm²/s at 20 °C
Viscosity, Dynamic: 0.36 mPa.s at 20 °C

Water Solubility: 42 g/L at 20 °C
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Pow 1.06 at 20 °C
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Vapor Pressure: 330 hPa at 25 °C
Density: 0.74 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Relative Density: 0.74 at 20 °C
Relative Vapor Density: No data available
Chemical Formula: C5H12O
Molar Mass: 88.150 g·mol−1
CAS Number: 1634-04-4

Appearance: Colourless liquid with a distinctive, unpleasant ether-like odor
Density: 0.7404 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Melting Point: −108.6 °C (−163.5 °F; 164 K)
Boiling Point: 55.2–55.5 °C (131.4–131.9 °F; 328.3–328.6 K)
Solubility in Water: 26 g/L at 20 °C (moderately soluble)
Viscosity: 0.36 cP at 25 °C; 3.4×10⁻⁴ Pa·s at 25 °C
Vapor Pressure: ~27 kPa (203 mmHg) at 20 °C; 268 hPa at 20 °C
Flash Point: −32.8 to −33 °C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 375–435 °C
Form: Liquid
Color: Clear, colorless

Odor: Ether-like, acrid
Lower Explosion Limit: 1.5 % (V)
Upper Explosion Limit: 8.5 % (V)
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 1.06 at 20 °C
Relative Density: 0.74 at 20 °C
Relative Vapor Density: 3 at 20 °C
Surface Tension: 72.5 mN/m at 1.07 g/L at 21.5 °C
Particle Characteristics: No data available
Explosive Properties: Not classified as explosive
Oxidizing Properties: None
Prohibited Uses: For intended use only

FIRST AID MEASURES of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Call in ophthalmologist. 
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up dry. 
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 
Foam 
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection. 
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE):
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available