Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₅H₁₂O. It is a colorless, transparent liquid insoluble in water but readily soluble in ethanol and ether. It is an excellent high-octane gasoline additive and anti-knock agent.

PRODUCT PROPERTIES

Density: 0.74 g/cm³

Melting Point: -110°C

Boiling Point: 55.2°C

Flash Point: -10°C

Refractive Index: 1.375

Saturated Vapor Pressure: 27 kPa (20°C)

Critical Pressure: 3.4 MPa

Ignition Temperature: 375°C

Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid

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Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol and ether

PRODUCT APPLICATIONS

It is primarily used as a gasoline additive, exhibiting excellent anti-knock properties and increasing octane rating. It can also be cracked to produce isobutylene. It has good miscibility with gasoline, absorbs little water, and is environmentally friendly. It can be used as an analytical solvent, extractant, and desorbent in chromatography, especially high-pressure liquid chromatography. It forms azeotropes with some polar solvents such as water, methanol, and ethanol. MTBE also has a mild anesthetic effect.