ABSTRACT
MTBE is manufactured from isobutene (isobutylene or 2-methylpropene: (CH3)2CCH2), a byproduct of petroleum refining. Isobutene, a colorless flammable gas with a boiling point of –7 C, is also used in gasoline.4 MTBE synthesis involves combining isobutene and methanol; MTBE can also be prepared from methanol and tertiary-butyl alcohol. Therefore, MTBE can be easily and cheaply produced at the refinery. Because it also easily blends with gasoline, it can be transferred through existing pipelines.5 Figure 3.1 shows a graphic representation of the MTBE molecule.
