Solvents
REACH
Methyl tert-butyl ether
CAS Number
1634-04-4
EC Number
216-653-1
Abbreviation
MTBE
Industries: Personal Care & Cosmetics
What is Methyl tert-butyl ether?
Methyl tert-butyl ether (CAS 1634-04-4), commonly known as MTBE, is an ether-based solvent used in chemical processing and specialty formulation.
Where is Methyl tert-butyl ether used?
- Personal care and cosmetics: process solvent for extracting and purifying fragrance ingredients and active compounds
- Laboratory and analytical: standard extraction solvent for isolating non-polar compounds from aqueous matrices
- Flavor and fragrance: carrier solvent during intermediate synthesis steps
- It offers fast evaporation and strong solvency for organic compounds.
Good to know: Buyers should confirm purity thresholds and peroxide content specifications when sourcing for sensitive extraction or formulation processes.
Commercial specifications
- Liquid in bulk quantities, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and drums
- High-purity grades are available for analytical and specialty synthesis applications
Other Names (Synonyms)
tert-C4H9OCH3|t-Butyl methyl ether|Methyl tertiary-butyl ether|Methyl 1,1-dimethylethyl ether|2-Methyl-2-methoxypropane|2-Methoxy-2-methylpropane|MTBE|Methyl t-butyl ether
What are the physical properties of Methyl tert-butyl ether?
Melting Point -108.6 °C
Boiling Point 55.2 °C
Density 0.7405 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point -27 °F
Appearance Methyl-tert-butyl ether is a colorless liquid.
Color APHA: ≤10
Odor Characteristic ethereal odor
Form Powder or Needles
Water Solubility 51 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure 4.05 psi ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.369(lit.)
Log P 1.06 at 20℃
How is Methyl tert-butyl ether classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
H303 May be harmful if swallowed
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H315 Causes skin irritation
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Methyl tert-butyl ether?
HS Code 29091900
UN Number 2398
ADR Class 3
Packing Group II
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 3