Product brief introduction
High-Purity Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) – The Premium Fuel Oxygenate and Versatile Solvent
Shandong RuiShuang Chemical offers high-purity MTBE (CAS: 1634-04-4) with 99.0% minimum purity. This high-octane fuel additive enhances gasoline combustion efficiency while serving as a versatile solvent for pharmaceutical synthesis, isobutylene production, and laboratory applications. Available in industrial and reagent grades with professional hazardous chemical logistics.
Product overview
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE), also known as tert-Butyl Methyl Ether or 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane, with the molecular formula C₅H₁₂O and CAS number 1634-04-4, is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a distinctive terpene-like odor . As one of the most widely produced ethers globally, MTBE is primarily manufactured through the chemical reaction of isobutylene with methanol . With a boiling point of 55.2°C and a flash point of -28°C, it is classified as a highly flammable liquid . Its unique combination of high octane rating, low water solubility, and excellent solvency for both polar and non-polar compounds makes it invaluable as a gasoline oxygenate, an industrial solvent, and a chemical intermediate .
Product detail description
What is Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether and Why Is It a Critical Industrial Chemical?
In the landscape of fuel additives and industrial solvents, few compounds have achieved the production volume and versatility of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether. Commonly known as MTBE, this oxygenated fuel additive revolutionized the gasoline industry by providing a cost-effective solution for reducing engine knock and improving combustion efficiency. Beyond its fuel applications, MTBE serves as a valuable non-polar solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and laboratory procedures .
At Shandong RuiShuang Chemical, we understand that what is methyl tert-butyl ether encompasses multiple roles across different industries. For fuel blenders, pharmaceutical chemists, and industrial formulators, MTBE represents a reliable, high-purity chemical that delivers consistent performance. Our role as a trusted MTBE supplier is to ensure that this versatile compound reaches you with stable supply chains and professional hazardous material handling expertise.
Key Properties of High-Purity Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
| Property | Typical Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥99.0% | Ensures consistent performance as fuel additive or solvent; minimizes impurities that could affect reactions . |
| Appearance | Clear, Colorless Liquid | Indicates absence of contaminants or degradation products . |
| Water Content | ≤0.05% (500 ppm) | Critical for moisture-sensitive reactions; prevents phase separation in gasoline blends . |
| Methanol Content | ≤0.5% | Low methanol ensures proper product stability and performance specifications . |
| Tert-Butyl Alcohol | ≤0.5% | Controlled impurity levels maintain product quality . |
| Boiling Point | 55.2°C | Low boiling point enables easy recovery via distillation; provides good volatility in fuel applications . |
| Flash Point | -28°C (Closed Cup) | Highly flammable; dictates strict handling, storage, and transportation protocols . |
| Density | ~0.74 g/mL at 20°C | Affects volumetric calculations for fuel blending and shipping . |
| Research Octane Number (RON) | 118 | High octane rating provides excellent anti-knock properties in gasoline formulations . |
| Motor Octane Number (MON) | 101 | Demonstrates superior anti-knock performance under engine load conditions |
The Diverse Applications of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether Across Industries
| Industry Sector | Primary Application | Why MTBE? |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Industry | Gasoline Oxygenate | MTBE gasoline additive increases octane rating, improves combustion efficiency, reduces engine knock, and lowers CO and hydrocarbon emissions . |
| Chemical Synthesis | Isobutylene Source | MTBE for isobutylene production can be cracked to produce high-purity isobutylene, a key feedstock for butyl rubber and other polymers . |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | Extraction Solvent | MTBE for pharmaceutical intermediates serves as an extraction solvent in antibiotic and vitamin production; its low boiling point allows gentle solvent removal . |
| Laboratory Applications | Non-Polar Solvent | MTBE for laboratory use is valued as a chromatographic solvent and reaction medium; its low water miscibility makes it ideal for extractions . |
| Polymer Industry | MMA Precursor | Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether for MMA is an intermediate in the production of methyl methacrylate for acrylic plastics . |
| Industrial Cleaning | Precision Cleaner | MTBE's rapid evaporation and excellent solvency make it effective for cleaning electronic components and precision equipment |
MTBE as a Gasoline Additive: The High-Octane Oxygenate
The fuel industry represents the largest market for methyl tert-butyl ether, where it serves as a premier anti-knocking agent:
How MTBE Improves Gasoline Performance:
Octane Enhancement: With a Research Octane Number of 118 and Motor Octane Number of 101, MTBE is one of the most effective octane boosters available, preventing engine knock and allowing higher compression ratios
Oxygen Content: MTBE contains 18.2% oxygen by weight, promoting more complete combustion and reducing emissions of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons
Clean Burning: The oxygen content helps fuel burn more completely, reducing tailpipe emissions
Blending Flexibility: MTBE's low vapor pressure and excellent blending characteristics allow refiners to produce cleaner-burning gasoline without sacrificing performance
Environmental Benefits and Regulatory Context:
While MTBE offers significant air quality benefits, its use has faced regulatory challenges in some regions due to groundwater concerns:
Air Quality: MTBE reduces ground-level ozone formation and toxic air pollutants
Groundwater Concerns: High water solubility has led to restrictions in some areas (e.g., California ban)
Current Markets: MTBE remains widely used in Asia, the Middle East, and other regions where groundwater concerns are addressed through proper storage and handling
For customers in regions where MTBE is approved, we provide quality product and compliance documentation to support regulatory requirements.
MTBE in Chemical Synthesis: Gateway to High-Value Products
One of the most important non-fuel applications of methyl tert-butyl ether is as a feedstock for producing high-purity isobutylene:
MTBE Cracking Process:
MTBE can be thermally or catalytically cracked to produce high-purity isobutylene and methanol. This isobutylene serves as a critical building block for:
Butyl Rubber: High-performance rubber used in tire inner liners and pharmaceutical stoppers
Polyisobutylene: Used in adhesives, sealants, and lubricant additives
MMA (Methyl Methacrylate): Monomer for acrylic plastics and coatings
tert-Butyl Alcohol: Solvent and chemical intermediate
Advantages of MTBE as an Isobutylene Source:
High-purity isobutylene (typically >99.5%) from MTBE cracking
Cost-effective compared to alternative isobutylene separation methods
Established, reliable technology for isobutylene production
MTBE as a Pharmaceutical Solvent: Critical for Drug Manufacturing
MTBE for pharmaceutical intermediates plays an important role in drug manufacturing, particularly in extraction and purification processes:
Pharmaceutical Applications:
Antibiotic Production: MTBE is used in the extraction and purification of certain antibiotics, where its low boiling point allows gentle solvent removal without degrading heat-sensitive compounds
Vitamin Synthesis: Serves as an extraction solvent for vitamin E and other fat-soluble vitamins
API Purification: Used in crystallization and washing steps for active pharmaceutical ingredients
Natural Product Extraction: Effective solvent for extracting natural products due to its excellent organic solubility and low water miscibility
Why MTBE is Preferred in Pharma:
Low boiling point (55.2°C) enables easy solvent removal
Low water solubility minimizes product loss to aqueous phases
Relatively low toxicity compared to chlorinated solvents
Meets residual solvent limits per ICH guidelines (Class 3 solvent)
Laboratory Applications of MTBE: The Versatile Non-Polar Solvent
MTBE for laboratory use has gained significant popularity as an alternative to diethyl ether in many applications:
Laboratory Uses:
Chromatography: MTBE is used as a mobile phase component in HPLC and column chromatography due to its favorable polarity and UV transparency
Extraction: Preferred solvent for liquid-liquid extractions where diethyl ether's high volatility or peroxide formation poses risks
Reaction Solvent: Serves as an inert reaction medium for organometallic and other moisture-sensitive reactions
Crystallization: Used for recrystallization of organic compounds
Advantages over Diethyl Ether:
Higher boiling point (55.2°C vs. 34.6°C) provides better handling characteristics
Lower peroxide formation tendency
Less volatile, reducing solvent loss during handling
Safer for large-scale applications
Why Choose Shandong RuiShuang Chemical as Your MTBE Supplier?
1.Strategic Partnerships with Leading Manufacturers:
Our long-standing with top-tier Chinese petrochemical companies ensures priority access to high purity MTBE from reputable MTBE manufacturers. We leverage these relationships to secure competitive pricing and reliable allocation even during market tightness.
2.Comprehensive Quality Assurance:
We understand that gasoline grade MTBE and reagent grade MTBE for pharmaceutical and laboratory applications require rigorous quality control. Every shipment is tested to meet specifications for purity (≥99.0%), water content, methanol content, and other critical parameters. Certificates of Analysis (COA) accompany all deliveries, ensuring full traceability.
3.Specialized Flammable Liquid Logistics:
MTBE requires specialized handling throughout the supply chain. Our integrated logistics system is designed specifically for flammable solvent transport:
MTBE ISO tank containers for efficient bulk transport (20-24 MT)
Methyl tert-butyl ether drums (150kg/55-gallon steel drums) for smaller volume requirements
MTBE bulk tanker deliveries for large industrial consumers
Experienced carriers certified for flammable materials
Compliance with international shipping regulations (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
4.Flexible Supply Solutions:
We recognize that different customers have different volume requirements:
MTBE spot cargo for immediate needs
Contract supply for predictable pricing and volume security
Warehouse storage for just-in-time delivery
Custom packaging options tailored to your receiving capabilities
5.Technical Expertise and Application Support:
The successful use of MTBE requires understanding its properties and regulatory context. Our team possesses deep technical knowledge to guide customers on:
Fuel blending optimization
MTBE vs ethanol selection for specific applications
Regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions
Troubleshooting application challenges
6.Commitment to Safety and Compliance:
Our business philosophy prioritizes safety alongside customer satisfaction. We provide comprehensive safety documentation, including detailed methyl tert-butyl ether MSDS and handling guidelines, and work with customers to ensure they have the information needed to handle this material safely.
📞 Contact our sales team today for a competitive quote and expert consultation.
📧 Email:Stefan@ruishuangchemical.com,Devin@ruishuangchemical.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp: +8618653633300,+8613573373908
Partner with us for fuel and solvent solutions that drive your success.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q1: What packaging options are available for MTBE?
A: As a full-service MTBE supplier, we offer multiple packaging solutions:
MTBE ISO tank containers (20-24 metric tons) – standard for international bulk transport
Methyl tert-butyl ether drums (150kg/55-gallon steel drums) – for smaller volume requirements
IBC totes (1000kg) – intermediate bulk containers for efficient handling
MTBE bulk tanker – for large-volume domestic deliveries
All packaging complies with flammable liquid regulations and maintains product integrity .