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Methyl tert-butyl ether

Methyl tert-butyl ether (also known as MTBE and tert-butyl methyl ether) is an organic compound with a structural formula (CH3)3COCH3. MTBE is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid that is sparingly soluble in water. It has a minty odor vaguely reminiscent of diethyl ether, leading to unpleasant taste and odor in water. MTBE is a gasoline additive, used as an oxygenate to raise the octane number. Its use is controversial because of its contamination of groundwater and legislation favoring ethanol. However, worldwide production of MTBE has been constant owing to growth in Asian markets.

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Further Information

Names

IUPAC name2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane

Other names

Methyl -butyl ether; Methyl -butyl ether; Methyl -butyl ether; MTBE; -Butyl methyl ether; tBME; -BuOMe

Identifiers

CAS Number: 1634-04-4

JSmol: Interactive image

ChEBI: CHEBI:27642

ChemSpider: 14672

ECHA InfoCard: 100.015.140

KEGG: C11344

PubChem: 15413

Properties

Chemical formula: C5H12O

Molar mass: 88.15 g·mol

Density: 0.7404 g/cm³

Melting point: −109 °C (−164 °F; 164 K)

Boiling point: 55.2 °C (131.4 °F; 328.3 K)

Solubility in water: 42 g/L (20 °C)

Viscosity: 0.36 cP at 25 °C

Hazards

NFPA 704:

Flash point: −33.0 °C (−27.4 °F; 240.2 K)

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their(at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their(at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).