Ethyl tert-butyl ether

Ethyl tert-butyl ether (CAS 637-92-3), commonly known as ETBE, is a fuel oxygenate and blending component produced from bioethanol and isobutylene. It is used primarily to raise the octane rating of gasoline and reduce tailpipe emissions. In fuel blending, ETBE is incorporated into gasoline at regulated concentrations to meet octane specifications and comply with clean fuel mandates across European and Asian markets. Refiners favor it over MTBE in regions where bio-derived content requirements apply.

Its bioethanol origin supports renewable fuel obligations. In solvent applications, it functions as a low-polarity carrier in specialty coatings, extraction processes, and chemical synthesis where controlled evaporation rate and miscibility are relevant. Its low water solubility compared to ethanol also reduces groundwater contamination risk. This is a key procurement consideration in environmentally regulated markets where strict safety and environmental standards are enforced for chemical handling.

ETBE is supplied as a liquid in bulk tanker, ISO container, and drummed formats suited to fuel-grade logistics. Fuel-grade is the primary commercial specification, with purity typically at 99%+ for blending applications. Technical-grade material is available for industrial solvent use, with supply volumes generally tied to refinery or petrochemical production schedules. This ensures a consistent supply chain for large-scale industrial and energy sector operations.