Chemical Datasheet
METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER |
|
Chemical Identifiers
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec1_help","sec1_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
| none | |||
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A colorless liquid with a distinctive anesthetic-like odor. Vapors are heavier than air and narcotic (cause drowsiness when inhaled). This liquid has a flash point lower than most ambient temperatures, so it will readily ignite under most conditions. It is less dense than water and moderately soluble in water. Used as a octane booster in gasoline.
Hazards
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec2_help","sec2_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Highly Flammable
- Peroxidizable Compound
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick 1979. p.151-154, 164]. A mixture of liquid air and diethyl ether exploded spontaneously [MCA Case History 616. 1960].
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: May contain irritating and toxic gases.
Behavior in Fire: May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Containers may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. (USCG, 1999)
Behavior in Fire: May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Containers may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
INHALATION: May cause dizziness or suffocation. Contact may irritate or burn eyes or skin. May be harmful if swallowed. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
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.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
Response Recommendations
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec3_help","sec3_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:
CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For fire involving UN1170, UN1987 or UN3475, alcohol-resistant foam should be used. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For fire involving UN1170, UN1987 or UN3475, alcohol-resistant foam should be used. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Wear goggles, self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber gloves, boots and overclothing. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
![](javascript:dropDownText("dupont_help","dupont_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
Tychem® Fabric Legend
| QS = Tychem 2000 SFR |
| QC = Tychem 2000 |
| SL = Tychem 4000 |
| C3 = Tychem 5000 |
| TF = Tychem 6000 |
| TP = Tychem 6000 FR |
| RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM |
| TK = Tychem 10000 |
| RF = Tychem 10000 FR |
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by a third party
laboratory. Permeation data for industrial chemicals is obtained per
ASTM F739. Normalized breakthrough times (the time at which the
permeation rate exceeds 0.1 μg/cm2/min) are reported in minutes. All
chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and 27°C unless
otherwise stated. All chemicals have been tested at a concentration of
greater than 95% unless otherwise stated.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur Mustard, Tabun
and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50% relative humidity
per military standard MIL-STD-282. "Breakthrough time" for chemical
warfare agents is defined as the time when the cumulative mass which
permeated through the fabric exceeds the limit in MIL-STD-282 [either
1.25 or 4.0 μg/cm2].
A Caution from DuPont
This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to
be reliable on the date issued. It is subject to revision as additional
knowledge and experience are gained. The information reflects
laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under
controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons
having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use
conditions, at their own discretion and risk. It is the user's
responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper
personal protective equipment needed. Anyone intending to use this
information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable
for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter
breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If
fabric becomes torn,abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail,
or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should
discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical.
Since conditions of use are outside our control, DuPont makes no
warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and
assume no liability in connection with any use of this information.
This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a
recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical
information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
| Chemical | CAS Number | State | QS | QC | SL | C3 | TF | TP | RC | TK | RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methoxy 2-methylpropane, 2- | 1634-04-4 | Liquid | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | ||
| Methyl tert-butyl ether | 1634-04-4 | Liquid | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 |
> indicates greater than.
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...
![](javascript:dropDownText("dupont_help2","dupont_help2_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
...Tychem® ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T
(with aluminized outer suit) garments are designed and tested to help
reduce burn injury during escape from a flash fire. Users of Tychem®
ThermoPro, Tychem® Reflector® and Tychem® TK styles 600T/601T (with
aluminized outer suit) garments should not knowingly enter an explosive
environment. Tychem® garments with attached socks must be worn inside
protective outer footwear and are not suitable as outer footwear. These
attached socks do not have adequate durability or slip resistance to be
worn as the outer foot covering.
(DuPont, 2024)
First Aid
INHALATION: Move victim to fresh air; call emergency medical care. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
EYES OR SKIN: Flush with running water for at least 15 minutes; hold eyelids open if necessary. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes at the site. Keep victim quiet and maintain normal body temperature.
INGESTION: If victim is unconscious or having convulsions, do nothing except keep victim warm. (USCG, 1999)
EYES OR SKIN: Flush with running water for at least 15 minutes; hold eyelids open if necessary. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes at the site. Keep victim quiet and maintain normal body temperature.
INGESTION: If victim is unconscious or having convulsions, do nothing except keep victim warm. (USCG, 1999)
Physical Properties
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec4_help","sec4_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point:
-14°F
(USCG, 1999)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
-164.2°F
(USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
0.7405
at 68°F
(USCG, 1999)
- Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point:
131.4°F
at 760 mmHg
(USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight:
88.15
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 50 ppm | 1400 ppm | 13000 ppm  |
| 30 minutes | 50 ppm | 800 ppm | 7500 ppm  |
| 60 minutes | 50 ppm | 570 ppm | 5300 ppm |
| 4 hours | 50 ppm | 400 ppm | 2700 ppm |
| 8 hours | 50 ppm | 400 ppm | 1900 ppm |
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) = 16000
indicates value is 10-49% of LEL. Safety consideration against explosions must be taken into account.
indicates value is 50-99% of LEL. Extreme safety consideration against explosions must be taken into account.
indicates value is 10-49% of LEL. Safety consideration against explosions must be taken into account. indicates value is 50-99% of LEL. Extreme safety consideration against explosions must be taken into account.(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
| Chemical | ERPG-1 | ERPG-2 | ERPG-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) (1634-04-4) | 50 ppm  |
1000 ppm | 5000 ppm |
LEL = 16000 ppm |
indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1. indicates value is 10-49% of LEL.(AIHA, 2022)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl tert-butyl ether; (MTBE) (1634-04-4) | 50 ppm | 570 ppm | 5300 ppm |
LEL = 16000 ppm |
indicates value is 10-49% of LEL.(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec5_help","sec5_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl tert-butyl ether | 1634-04-4 | 1000 pounds | 313 |
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.Alternate Chemical Names
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec6_help","sec6_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- 1,1-DIMETHYLETHYL METHYL ETHER
- ETHER, TERT-BUTYL METHYL
- 2-METHOXY-2-METHYL PROPANE
- 2-METHOXY-2-METHYLPROPANE
- METHYL 1,1-DIMETHYLETHYL ETHER
- METHYL TERT BUTYL ETHER
- METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER
- METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER
- 2-METHYL-2-METHOXY PROPANE
- 2-METHYL-2-METHOXYPROPANE
- MTBE
- T-BUTYL METHYL ETHER
- TERT-BUTOXYMETHANE
- TERT-BUTYL METHYL ETHER
Web site owner:
Office of Response and Restoration
,
National Ocean Service,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
USA.gov.
CAMEO Chemicals version 3.1.0 rev 1.