Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)

Methyl tert-butyl ether is used as a high-octane component of automotive petrol and export supplies. Methyl tert-butyl ether (structural formula - (CH3)3COCH3) is a colourless liquid with ether odour; soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, poorly soluble in water (4.6% at 20 °C); forms azeotropic mixtures with water, methanol. When heated above 460 °C, as well as when heated with catalysts, decomposes into methanol and isobutylene. It does not form peroxide compounds.