Overview
Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is an organic compound derived from isobutylene and methanol. First commercialized in the 1970s, it gained prominence as a gasoline additive to boost octane ratings and reduce harmful emissions. MTBE is produced through an acid-catalyzed reaction between isobutylene and methanol. Its use expanded significantly after leaded gasoline was phased out, though environmental concerns have led to reduced usage in some regions.
Physical and Chemical Properties
MTBE is a colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive ether-like odor. It has a relatively low boiling point (55.2°C) and high vapor pressure, making it evaporate quickly at room temperature. The compound is highly flammable with a flash point of -28°C. It exhibits limited solubility in water (4.8 g/100 mL at 20°C) but mixes readily with most organic solvents. Its high octane rating (RON 118) makes it particularly valuable for fuel applications.
Main Applications
The primary use of MTBE is as a gasoline oxygenate, where it improves combustion efficiency and reduces engine knocking. It typically comprises up to 15% of reformulated gasoline blends. Beyond fuel applications, MTBE serves as a solvent in chemical processes and as an intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It's also used in extraction processes and as a reaction medium in organic synthesis.
Safety and Storage
MTBE requires careful handling due to its flammability and potential health effects. Proper storage involves sealed containers in well-ventilated areas with explosion-proof electrical equipment. Environmental concerns stem from MTBE's solubility in water and slow biodegradation. Leaks can contaminate groundwater, leading to strict regulations in many jurisdictions. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection is recommended during handling.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring MTBE commercially, buyers should specify purity requirements (typically 98-99.5%) and request certificates of analysis. Transportation requires UN 2398 classification for flammable liquids. Market prices fluctuate with crude oil and methanol costs. Many suppliers offer bulk quantities in tanker trucks or ISO containers. Verify the supplier's compliance with local environmental regulations, especially for fuel blending applications.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：DMF、二甲基乙酰胺、二甲基亚砜、丙二醇甲醚PM、醋酸正丙酯、正丁醇、四氯乙烯、三氯乙烯、异丁醇、无水乙醇、三乙醇胺、三乙胺、环己酮、二甲苯、异丙醇、溶剂油、溶剂油100号120号150号、偶氮二异丁腈、二氯甲烷、乙二醇丁醚
- 主营：苯乙烯、二甲苯、正丙醇、催化剂、二乙胺、氯丙烯、巴豆醛、石油醚、防冻剂、壬基酚、乙二醇、戊二醛、异辛醇、清洗剂、丙烯酸、漂白剂、甲缩醛、氯化锌、冰醋酸、异丙醇、溶剂油、异丁醇、工业酒精、金属除锈、防结皮剂
- 主营：食用酒精、甲醇、无水乙醇、异丙醇、食用乙醇、乙醇、二价酸酯、二丙酮醇、醋酸正丙酯、异丙醇IPA、醋酸仲丁酯、无水乙醇高纯度、95%乙醇、三甲苯、丙二醇甲醚、环已烷、环已酮、混丁醇、丙三醇、轻质白油、工业乙醇、磺酸、二乙二醇丁醚DB、正己烷、正丁醇
- 主营：钛白粉、二氧化钛、异氟尔酮、油酸酰胺、二辛酯、二丁酯、片碱、草酸、丙三醇、异丙醇、氨水、乙酸乙酯、氧化铁绿、氧化铁红、硬脂酸、马林酸树脂、二甲基硅油、钙粉、甘油、次氯酸钠、辛醇、乙醇、甲醇、荧光增白剂、甲基硅油
- 主营：二甲基亚砜、乙二醇、丙二醇、DMAC
- 主营：DMF、DMAC、二丙酮醇、四甲基胍、马来酸酐、丙二醇、乙二醇、甲酸、甲醇、十二醇、柠檬酸、己二醇、甘油、四氢呋喃、碳酸丙烯酯、吐温、无水氯化钙、乙酸乙酯、氢氧化钠、二乙醇胺、司盘、过硫酸钠、氧化钙、氯化钾
- 主营：聚维酮、吗啉、乙二醇丁醚、聚乙烯吡咯烷酮、甲基异丙基酮、甲基吡咯烷酮、三乙醇胺硼酸酯、甲基叔丁基醚、正戊烷、三元酸、邻氯苯甲酰氯、司盘、吐温、松节油、环氧树脂、苯甲醇、二异丁基酮、二甲基乙酰胺、乙烯基吡咯烷酮
- 主营：乙酰丙酮、己二胺、对苯二酚、邻苯二酚、间苯二酚
- 主营：6-萘二羧酸、邻苯甲酰苯甲酸、偶联剂、硅烷偶联剂、kh-602、十八硫醇、碳酸铯、胆酸钠、脱氧胆酸钠、去氧胆酸钠、去氢胆酸、溴代丙二醛、茶籽油、聚钨酸钠、氰乙酸甲酯、沙棘籽油、乙酰氧基氮杂环丁酮、桔子油、亚麻油、柠檬桉醇、芳樟醇、二氟苯胺、萃取剂、乙酰氧基苯乙烯
- 主营：乙酸镁、阻燃剂、热熔胶、dbe、聚合物、锂电池、光电极、泡泡糖、氯丁胶、碳酸镉、新癸酸、补差价、稀释剂、羟乙基、氧化铝、氧化铜、甲酸钾、c/c材料、碳酸锰、玻璃粉、硬光油、防腐剂、氧化铋、防水剂、聚丙烯、增粘树
- 主营：电子清洗剂、二丙二醇甲醚
- 主营：离子液体、5-二甲基吡唑、TS-钛硅分子筛、丙酮缩氨基硫脲、硫酸烟酰苯胺
- 主营：氨基磺酸、碳酸钾、氢氧化钾、富马酸、乙二醇丁醚、间二甲苯、二甲基甲酰胺、顺酐、二价酸酯、四氯乙烯、甲酸钾、亚磷酸、二乙二醇丁醚、乙二醇甲醚、乙二醇苯醚、草酸、三聚氰胺、辛醇、丙二醇、甘氨酸、丁二酸、甲酸、三乙二醇、脯氨酸
- 主营：硫酸铜、洗涤剂、凡士林、苯乙烯、除磷剂、硫酸铁、柠檬酸、絮凝剂、氯化镁、硝酸铬、乳化剂、石灰粉、净洗剂、乙醇胺、硝酸铝、漂洗剂、二甘醇、硫酸钾、石油醚、叔丁醇、氯化钴、清洗剂、丙烯酸、氟化钠、氟化钙
- 主营：尼龙66盐、聚乙二醇、涂料树脂、表面活性剂、二甲基甲酰胺、英威达己二胺、nn二甲基乙醇胺
- 主营：叶面肥、钙镁磷肥、工业尿素、发酵赤砂糖、全水溶肥料、洗涤剂添加剂
- 主营：化学试剂、日用化工品、医药中间体、生化试剂、过渡金属、高端材料