MTBE

MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) is a chemical compound that is manufactured by the chemical reaction of methanol and isobutylene. MTBE is produced in very large quantities (more than 200,000 barrels per day in the United States in 1999) and is almost exclusively used as a fuel component in motor gasoline. It is one of a group of chemicals commonly known as oxygenates because they raise the oxygen content of gasoline. At room temperature, MTBE is a volatile, flammable and colorless liquid that is relatively soluble in water. MTBE has a typical odor reminiscent of diethyl ether. MTBE is increasingly used in organic chemistry as a cheap solvent with properties comparable to diethyl ether but with a higher boiling point and lower solubility for water.

Related Topics:
Chemical - Chemical reaction - Methanol - Isobutylene - Barrel - United States - 1999 - Gasoline - Oxygenate - Oxygen - Diethyl ether - Organic chemistry - Solvent - Boiling point - Solubility - Water

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MTBE has been used in U.S. gasoline at low levels since 1979 to replace tetra-ethyl lead as an octane enhancer and to help prevent engine knocking. Since 1992, MTBE has been used at higher concentrations in some gasoline to fulfill the oxygenate requirements set by Congress in Clean Air Act amendments.

Related Topics:
1979 - Tetra-ethyl lead - Octane - Engine knocking - 1992 - Congress - Clean Air Act

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In 1995 high levels of MTBE were unexpectedly discovered in the water wells of Santa Monica, California. Subsequent tests found tens of thousands of contaminated sites across the country.

Related Topics:
1995 - Water well - Santa Monica, California

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