Substance profile
tert-Butyl methyl ether
tert-Butyl methyl ether is a liquid with a terpene-like odor.
01 · Identification
What tert-Butyl methyl ether is
tert-Butyl methyl ether is a liquid with a terpene-like odor. It boils at 55.1 °C, melts at -109 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for tert-Butyl methyl ether
- MTBE
- 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P264, P280, P302, P313, P332, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
tert-Butyl methyl ether properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 55.1 °C (131.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 55.22 °C (131.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 55 °C (131 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -108.6 °C (-163.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -109 °C (-164.2 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.7405 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.7405 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.7353 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Solubility of water in methyl t-butyl ether: 1.5 g/100 g; unstable in acid solution | HSDB | |
| 4.8 g/100 g in water | HSDB | ||
| In water, 51,000 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 202.517 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 245 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 250 mmHg | at 25 °C, extrapolated | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -80 °C (-112 °F) | HSDB | |
| -25.56 °C (-14 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -28 °C (-18.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 435 °C (815 °F) | HSDB | |
| 375 °C (707 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 15.1 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 3 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.05 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 0.13 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor thresholds from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling tert-Butyl methyl ether
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, Strong acids
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Ethers, such as METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER, can act as bases. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check tert-Butyl methyl ether in the storage compatibility matrix →