- MTBE is on the Danish Environmental Protection Agency's List of Undesirable Substances.
- Reviews of these substances are conducted from 2012-2015.
- MTBE is primarily used to increase petrol octane rating.
- It is also used in high-purity isobutylene production and as a specialty solvent in pharmaceuticals.
Overview
This review report focuses on methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a substance listed on the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s (DEPA) “List of Undesirable Substances” (LOUS). The review is part of a broader evaluation of 40 substances conducted between 2012 and 2015.
Properties
MTBE is a liquid at ambient temperature with a boiling point of 55 degrees Celsius. It is known for its low threshold for odor and taste in water, making it easily detectable even in small quantities.
Primary Uses
The dominant use of MTBE is as an additive in petrol, where it functions as an octane booster to increase the fuel's octane rating. This helps improve engine performance and reduce knocking.
Secondary Uses
MTBE is also used as a raw material in the production of high-purity isobutylene. Additionally, it serves as a specialty solvent in certain pharmaceutical processes, highlighting its versatility in industrial applications.
