Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE)
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), also known as Methyl tert-Butyl Ether or tert-Butyl Methyl Ether, is an oxygen-containing ether compound widely used in the petrochemical and chemical industries. MTBE has the molecular formula C₅H₁₂O, molecular weight 88.15 g/mol, and CAS No. 1634-04-4. It is a volatile, colorless and highly flammable liquid.
MTBE has historically been used as an octane-enhancing gasoline additive and oxygenate. It is also used in selected industrial applications as an organic solvent, laboratory chemical and chemical intermediate.
Key Properties of MTBE
- Chemical Name: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
- Common Name: MTBE
- CAS Number: 1634-04-4
- Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₂O
- Molecular Weight: 88.15 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless liquid
- Boiling Point: Approximately 55–56°C
- Chemical Class: Ether
- Odor: Characteristic ether-like odor
- Water Solubility: Moderately soluble
- Flash Point: Below typical ambient temperatures, making it highly flammable
Applications of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
1. Fuel & Petrochemical Industry
MTBE has been widely used as an oxygenate and octane-enhancing component in gasoline. Its use varies by region because of environmental regulations and concerns regarding groundwater contamination.
2. Chemical Solvent
MTBE can be used as an organic solvent in selected chemical processing, extraction and laboratory applications.
3. Chemical Intermediate
MTBE is used in petrochemical processes and can serve as a source of isobutylene and methanol through catalytic decomposition processes.
4. Laboratory Applications
Due to its solvent properties, MTBE can be used in selected analytical and laboratory procedures, including extraction and chromatography applications.
Benefits of MTBE
- High octane-enhancing capability
- Useful oxygen-containing fuel component
- Good solvent properties for selected applications
- Useful intermediate in petrochemical processing
- Suitable for specialized industrial and laboratory applications
- Available in different purity grades according to application requirements
MTBE Supplier in India
We provide Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) for industrial and chemical applications, subject to required purity, packaging and technical specifications. MTBE can be supplied for suitable petrochemical, solvent, chemical-processing and laboratory applications.
Customers should confirm the required purity, grade, packaging, regulatory requirements and intended application before procurement.
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