6032. Methyl tert-Butyl Ether
Nomenclature
Description and references
Prepn: L. Henry, Rec. Trav. Chim. 23, 324 (1904); from methanol and t-butyl alcohol: J. F. Norris, G. W. Rigby, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 54, 2088 (1932); from methanol and isobutylene: K. R. Edlund, T. W. Evans, US 1968601 (1934 to Shell); eidem, Ind. Eng. Chem. 28, 1186 (1936); R. D. Morin, A. E. Bearse, ibid. 43, 1596 (1951); from t-butyl alcohol and diazomethane: M. Neeman et al., Tetrahedron 6, 36 (1959). Use as chromatographic eluent: C. J. Little et al., J. Chromatogr. 169, 381 (1979). Experimental use to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in vivo: M. J. Allen et al., Gastroenterology 88, 122 (1985); eidem, N. Engl. J. Med. 312, 217 (1985). Method for therapeutic use in dissolving cholesterol calculi: J. L. Thistle, M. J. Allen, US 4758596 (1988 to Research Corp.). Acute toxicity: D. F. Marsh, C. D. Leake, Anesthesiology 11, 455 (1950). Reviews of toxicity: R. von Burg, J. Appl. Toxicol. 12, 73-74 (1992); E. Reese, R. D. Kimbrough, Environ. Health Perspect. 101, Suppl. 6, 115-131 (1993); M. G. Costantini, ibid. 151-160; and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Methyl tert-butyl ether (PB97-121016, 1996) 268 pp.
Properties
Liquid, bp 55.2°. mp 109°. d420 0.7404, nD20 1.3689. Vapor pressure at 25°: 245 mm Hg. Flash pt: 28°C. Ignition temp: 224°C. Soly in water: 4.8 g/100 g. Soly of water in methyl t-butyl ether: 1.5 g/100 g. Unstable in acid soln. Volatile; lipophilic. Flammable. LC50 in mice (15 min): 1.6 mmol/liter of atmosphere (Marsh).Caution
Potential symptoms of overexposure by inhallation are coughing, burning sensation in nose and throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, feeling of spaciness and disorientation (PB97-121016).Use
Octane booster in gasoline. Organic solvent. Chromatographic eluent esp in HPLC.Therapeutic Category
Cholelitholytic agent.
Keywords
Cholelitholytic Agent