MTBE

Methyl tert-butyl ether

Names
IUPAC name 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane
Other names Methyl tertiary-butyl ether; Methyl tert-butyl ether; Methyl t-butyl ether; MTBE; tert-Butyl methyl ether; tBME; tert-BuOMe
Identifiers
CAS Number	1634-04-4 Y
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image
ChEBI	CHEBI:27642 Y
ChemSpider	14672 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.015.140
KEGG	C11344 Y
PubChem CID	15413
InChI InChI=1S/C5H12O/c1-5(2,3)6-4/h1-4H3 Y Key: BZLVMXJERCGZMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C5H12O/c1-5(2,3)6-4/h1-4H3 Key: BZLVMXJERCGZMT-UHFFFAOYAA
SMILES O(C(C)(C)C)C
Properties
Chemical formula	C5H12O
Molar mass	88.15 g·mol−1
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	3 1
Flash point	−10 °C (14 °F; 263 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Y  (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

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.

MTBE is manufactured via the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene. Methanol is derived from natural gas, and isobutylene is derived from butane obtained from crude oil or natural gas, thus MTBE is derived from fossil fuels. In the United States, it is produced in very large quantities (more than 200,000 barrels (32,000 m³) per day in 1999) during its use as a fuel additive.

MTBE is used as a fuel component in fuel for gasoline engines. It is one of a group of chemicals commonly known as oxygenates because they raise the oxygen content of gasoline.

In the US it has been used in gasoline at low levels since 1979 to replace tetraethyl lead and to increase its octane rating helping prevent engine knocking. Oxygenates help gasoline burn more completely, reducing tailpipe emissions from pre-1984 motor vehicles; dilutes or displaces gasoline components such as aromatics (e.g., benzene) and sulfur; and optimizes the oxidation during combustion. Before the incoming of other oxygenates and octane enhancing components most refiners had chosen MTBE primarily for its blending characteristics and low cost.