Johann Haltermann, Ltd.

16717 Jacintoport Blvd.

Houston, TX 77015-6544
Phone: 281-452-5951
Fax: 281-457-1128
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Technical Data & Safety Bulletin

Methyl t-Butyl Ether (MTBE)

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW

MTBE is an organic compound with the formula C4H9OCH3. This clear, colorless, ether-like
smelling liquid is widely used in global markets as a gasoline oxygenate. High Purity MTBE is
used as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry and as a lab solvent.

MTBE is extremely flammable with a high vapor pressure; use only with good ventilation and
avoid all ignition sources. See Product Properties.

MTBE can have adverse environmental effects. Spills of MTBE can readily contaminate surface
and ground water.

OTHER NAMES

CAS No: 1634-04-4 EINECS No: 216-653-1

Propane, 2-methoxy-2-methyl- tert-butyl methyl ether
methyl-1,1-dimethylethylether 1,1,1-trimethyl-dimethyl ether, methyl-tertiary-butyl ether

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TYPICAL PROPERTIES
Molecular Weight 88.15 g/mol
Empirical Formula C5H12O
Appearance Colorless Liquid
Boiling Point @ 760mm Hg 55C (131F)
Freezing Point -109C (-164F)
Flash Point Closed Cup -10C (14F)
Autoignition Temperature 374C (705F)
Specific Gravity @ 25/25C 0.74
Vapor Pressure @ 20C 204.0 mm Hg
Vapor Density (air = 1) 3.0
Evaporation Rate
(n-butyl acetate =1) 8.14
Solubility
in Water @ 20C 4.3%
Water in @ 20C 1.4%
Hazen Solubility Parameters
Dispersion 6.7
Polar 1.7
Hydrogen Bonding 2.5
Total 7.4
Refractive Index @ 20C 1.3689
Kinematic Viscosity @ 20C 0.47 centistokes
Expansion Coefficient @16C/60F, 1 atm, per F 0.00078
Surface Tension @ 32C 18.3 dynes/cm
Lower Flammability in Air 1.3 Vol%
Upper Flammability in Air 8.0 Vol%
Specific Heat 0.50 Btu/lb. F
Heat of Vaporization 140 Btu/lb.
Dipole Moment @25C 1.4 debye
Dielectric Constant @ 20C 2.6
Odor Threshold 0.053 ppm
Odor Threshold in Water 15 g/l (2.5 - 190 g/l variable sources)
Taste Threshold in Water 40 g/l (2.5 - 680 g/l variable sources)

Note: The properties reported above are typical physical properties. Haltermann in no
way guarantees that the product from any particular lot will conform exactly to the given
values.

PRODUCT USES
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The main use of MTBE is as an additive/component in gasoline. This usage covers more than
98% of the total quantity produced. The United States has phased out the use of MTBE as a
gasoline additive.

MTBE is also used as a chemical intermediate to produce high purity isobutylene.

High purity MTBE is being used as a process reaction solvent in the pharmaceuticals industry.

Minor use patterns are use as chromatographic eluent and use as a therapeutic agent for in vivo
dissolution of cholesterol gallstones in humans.

There are no known consumer uses except in gasoline.

HEALTH INFORMATION

MTBE exhibits low acute toxicity via the oral, dermal and inhalation routes in mammals.

MTBE is a liquid with a high vapor pressure, therefore most exposure takes place via inhalation.
The substance is well absorbed and rapidly metabolized.

In rats, the average oral LD50 is 4000 mg/kg. Dermal LD50 is over 10000 mg/kg and LC50 by
inhalation approximately 100 mg/l.

MTBE is considered a skin irritant but not an eye irritant nor a respiratory irritant. MTBE was
not sensitizing in guinea pigs and there are no reports available of sensitization in humans. In
repeated dose toxicity studies, the principal affected organs are the liver and the kidneys, mainly
at inhaled concentrations of 3000 ppm and above or at oral doses of 250 mg/kg or higher.

The human cancer hazard for MTBE is presumed to be low.

ENVIRONMENATL INFORMATION

The use of MTBE in gasoline has resulted in growing detection of MTBE in groundwater. The
high solubility of MTBE in water can result in minor spills contaminating surface and
groundwater. Low concentrations of MTBE in drinking water make it unusable.

The biodegradability of MTBE in soil in aerobic and especially in anaerobic conditions is slow.
MTBE is not readily biodegradable in aquatic environment according to the standardized tests.

In the air the degradation half-life of MTBE is approximately 3 to 6 days.

POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE

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Based on the uses for MTBE, the public could be exposed through:

Workplace exposure This refers to potential exposure to MTBE in a manufacturing

facility or through evaporation in various industrial applications. Generally, exposure to
MTBE of personnel in manufacturing facilities is relatively low because the process,
storage and handling operations are enclosed. The following exposure limits have been
established:

TLV: 50 ppm from ACGIH

MTBE has excellent warning properties. The odor threshold (0.053 ppm) is 1000 time
more than the eight hour exposure limit. However, odor is not a good indicator of
exposure.

Consumer use of products containing MTBE This category of exposure is highly likely
because of use of MTBE in gasoline. Exposures are expected to be minor.

Environmental releases Chemical manufacturers are committed to operating in an

environmentally responsible manner everywhere business is done. Efforts are guided by
in-depth scientific understanding of the environmental impact of operations, as well as
the social and economic needs of the communities. Industrial spills or releases are rare;
however a spill may pose a significant flammability issue.

REGULATORY STATUS

Refer to the JHL Material Safety Data sheet for more specific information.

MTBE is subject to the reporting requirement of CERCLA and has a reportable quantity of 1000
pounds. MTBE is also a SARA Section 313 chemical.

MTBE is on the U.S. TSCA list and is included in the EEC's EINECS, Canadian DSIL,
Australian and Japanese chemical inventories.

STORAGE AND HANDLING

General industry practice is to store MTBE in above ground carbon steel vessels. Avoid contact
with air when storing for long periods of time. Care must be taken to avoid spills and/or leaks
from entering the soil or rainwater.

MTBE should be stored only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat,
sparks, open flame or strong oxidizing agents. Use only non-sparking tools. Containers should
be grounded before beginning transfer. Electrical equipment should conform to national electric
code.

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Handle empty containers carefully. Flammable combustible residue remains after emptying.
Storage in properly lined steel or stainless steel to avoid slight discoloration from mild steel is
recommended. This product may absorb water if exposed to air.

Provided proper storage and handling precautions are taken, MTBE manufactured and delivered
by Johann Haltermann Ltd. is stable for at least 12 months. MTBE that is subsequently
repackaged, handled and/or delivered by third parties may have a different shelf life and may
require third party shelf life studies.

MTBE has a flash point of -18.4F. It is a flammable liquid as defined under SARA Title III,
section 311/312 hazard category.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Johann Haltermann Ltd. MTBE MSDS

SIDS Initial Assessment for MTBE
EU Risk Assessment for MTBE
Inchem Environmental Health Criteria for MTBE

The information in this Product Safety Bulletin is made without warranty. Johann Haltermann, Ltd. disclaims any liability in
connection with the use of this information, and does not warranty against infringement by reason of the use of any of its products in
combination with other materials in any process.

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