Methyl tert-butyl ether

Synonyms

MTBE; 2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane; 2-Methyl-2-methoxypropane; Ether, tert-butyl methyl; MTBE; Methyl 1,1-dimethylethyl ether; Methyl tert-butyl ether; Methyl tertiary-butyl ether; Methyl-tert-butyl ether; Propane, 2-methoxy-2-methyl-; t-Butyl methyl ether; tert-Butyl methyl ether; [ChemIDplus] UN2398

Category

Ethers (<C12)

Description

A colorless liquid with a distinctive anesthetic-like odor; [CAMEO]

Sources/Uses

Used as a additive for unleaded gasolines to improve combustion; it has been used to dissolve gallstones by delivering MTBE into the gallbladder through surgical tubing; [ATSDR ToxFAQs]

Comments

Occupational exposure levels to MBTE for Peak (30 min.) and TWA (time weighted average) were measured: Transporting Peak = 11 ppm; TWA = 0.24 ppm; Blending Peak = 4.7 ppm; TWA = 0.77 ppm; Service station attendants Peak = 3.3 ppm; TWA = 0.33 ppm; [HSDB] Central nervous system depression and eye irritation have been observed as effects in controlled animal studies. [Sullivan, p. 837] MTBE is in the list of "Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation" published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] Effects on the liver in high-dose animal experiments; [HSDB] Causes renal damage in rats exposed to high concentrations; [ACGIH] A skin and eye irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC] "Methyl tert-butyl ether did not induce developmental toxicity in rats or rabbits exposed via inhalation to concentrations that affected maternal food consumption. In one study in mice, increased incidences of postimplantation loss and cleft palate were seen at doses that also induced hypoactivity, ataxia and reduced food consumption in the dams. Another study in mice, conducted at lower doses that were less toxic to dams, did not provide evidence of developmental toxicity." [IARC]

EPA announced in March 2000 plans to ban MTBE because of problems with groundwater contamination.

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

50 ppm

50 ppm

250 mm Hg

0.05 ppm

Odor Threshold High

0.13 ppm

LC50 (rat) = 23,576 ppm/4h

Explanatory Notes

Flash point = -14 deg F; Odor thresholds from CHEMINFO; VP from HSDB;

5 ppm

1,000 ppm

5,000 ppm

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Not classifiable

Confirmed Animal

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect