METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER

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.

• Highly Flammable
• Peroxidizable Compound

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].

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)

INHALATION: May cause dizziness or suffocation. Contact may irritate or burn eyes or skin. May be harmful if swallowed. (USCG, 1999)

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.

• Ethers

No information available.

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)

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)

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)

Wear goggles, self-contained breathing apparatus, rubber gloves, boots and overclothing. (USCG, 1999)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

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

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2024)

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)

• 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