Methyl-T-Butyl Ether

Methyl-/-butyl ether (methyl-tertiary-butyl ether, MTBE) is a widely used gasoline additive, and has become one of the top 50 (by volume) chemicals produced in the United States. Annual production exceeds 25 billion pounds. The compound is used in gasoline to increase oxygenation, and boost the octane rating. The USEPA allows up to 11 % by volume MTBE in gasoline, but the common levels are between 2 and 7%. Levels as high as 15% have been marketed in Alaska and Connecticut. ^{1 , 2}