Chemicals

tert-Butyl Methyl Ether

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Chemical Name	tert-Butyl Methyl Ether
Synonyms	1,1-Dimethylethyl Methyl Ether; 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane; 2-Methyl-2-methoxypropane; MTBE; Methyl 1,1-dimethylethyl Ether; Methyl tert-Butyl Ether; Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether; tert-Butoxymethane; tert-Butyl Methyl Ether
CAS Number	1634-04-4
Molecular Formula	C₅H₁₂O
Appearance	Colourless Liquid
Molecular Weight	88.15
Storage	20°C
Solubility	Most Organic Solvents
Stability	Volatile
Category	Building Blocks; Miscellaneous;
Applications	tert-Butyl Methyl Ether is used in the preparation of gasolines, acting as an oxygenate to improve octane index and combustion efficiency (1). A mutagenic component of the mixtures present in the environment through degredation (2). Drinking water contaminant candidate list 3 (CCL 3) compound as per United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), environmental, and food contaminants.
	Not a dangerous good if item is equal to or less than 1g/ml and there is less than 100g/ml in the package

Tert-Butyl Methyl Ether (MTBE): Chemical Properties, Production, Environmental Concerns, Regulations and Alternatives

Tert-butyl methyl ether (MTBE) is a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor that is commonly used as a fuel additive. MTBE is produced by the chemical reaction between methanol and isobutylene and has a molecular formula of C5H12O. The importance and uses of MTBE have been a topic of debate due to its potential environmental and health effects.

Chemical Properties of MTBE

MTBE has a molecular weight of 88.15 g/mol and a boiling point of 55°C. Its molecular structure consists of a tertiary butyl group (-C(CH3)3) and a methyl ether group (-OCH3) attached to a central carbon atom. MTBE is soluble in water and other polar solvents but is immiscible with nonpolar solvents like gasoline.

Production of MTBE

MTBE is synthesized by reacting methanol and isobutylene in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid or ion exchange resins. The process yields a mixture of MTBE and diisobutylene, which is separated by distillation. MTBE can also be obtained as a byproduct of some refining processes or can be extracted from natural gas.

Environmental Concerns

MTBE has been found to have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Exposure to MTBE can cause skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Prolonged exposure to MTBE can lead to more severe health effects such as liver and kidney damage, and even cancer. MTBE is also classified as a potential groundwater contaminant since it can easily dissolve in water and persist for long periods.

MTBE Regulations

Several regulatory bodies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union, have implemented regulations to control the use and disposal of MTBE. In the United States, the EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20-40 parts per billion (ppb) for MTBE in drinking water. Several states have also banned the use of MTBE in gasoline due to its potential health and environmental impacts.

Alternatives to MTBE

Due to the environmental and health concerns associated with MTBE, alternatives such as ethanol have been explored. Ethanol is a renewable fuel that can be produced from biomass and has been used as a fuel additive in some countries. Other fuel additives like ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME) have also been suggested as possible replacements for MTBE.

Conclusion

MTBE is an important fuel additive that has been widely used in the past, but its potential health and environmental impacts have raised concerns. Regulations have been put in place to control the use and disposal of MTBE, and alternatives such as ethanol and other fuel additives